Monday, September 27, 2010

Currently Colbie

And because I don't need to ignore my second child, here is a post updating on Colbie!

Colbie has learned how to scream.  She does it all the time now and it drives me insane.  But I can't blame her because when you are competing with a couple of two year olds for attention you have to pull out all the stops! 
Some days, like today, she gets tired of me.  She fusses and fusses.  And just to prove to her daddy how much of an exaggerator I am, she puts on her happy face as soon as he gets home.  What a little smarty.
This little rascal has mastered the art of being lazy laid back.  She won't can't crawl yet, but she has figured out how to pull the blanket towards her so that toys that were out of reach (to coerce her into crawling, I might add!) are suddenly at her fingertips.
She loves to eat solids.  She loves them so much that the only time she wants to nurse is if she is trying to go to sleep.
When Colbie sees something she likes, she expresses her excitement with her whole body.  She kicks her legs, wiggles from side to side, and fist pumps.  Okay, she may not "fist pump" exactly, but it is her 8 month old version of it.
She has reached for me once, just to show that she can do it. 
If I am holding her, and someone reaches for her she will pull back and turn her head.  A clear and definitive "don't you take me from my mama!"
When she is tired of eating, she doesn't grab at the spoon or turn her head.  She simply clamps her mouth shut.  It is the cutest expression I have ever seen.  One of these days I'll get a picture of it.

That pretty much sums Colbie up for now!


Why would I want to turn around when I can just crane my neck?


All the Things She Says pt 2

It's that time again!  I like documenting the things that come out of Piper's mouth because I know one day she won't say them any more.

*  "I not say I lub you!"  If Piper is angry and you tell her you love her, she says this.  At least she doesn't say I don't love you

*  "I not chill out!"  I tell her to chill out when she is acting crazy.

*  "I don't like that song.  I don't like that song either!  Turn it off!  I don't-- I like that song."

*  "That's my sister!  That's not your sister!"   This is what she tells me if I am doing anything to Colbie that Piper does not approve of.

*  "I smart."  (Points to her head) "My smart is up here.  My smart hurt."

*  "I did a BIG poo poo! Wanna come see it??"

*  "M is my best friend."

*  We have 3 terra cotta pumpkins on our porch.  She told me that the pumpkins were Daddy, Mommy, and Colbie.  Then she asked me "Where's Piper Pumpkin?"  And Matt didn't think we needed four pumpkins! Ha!

*  "I need to go hide!"  She says this when her Daddy gets to come home for lunch.  She insist on hiding from him.  And by hiding I mean she lays down on the couch and jumps up to yell surprise when he walks through the door.

*  To the Cat:  "Rammmpaggge! Raaammmppaagggee!  Where are youuuuu?  We color you a picture.  It is picture time!"  He's been spending a lot of time outside lately... I wonder why?

*  "Here's your munch mommy.  You want your munch?"  (lunch)

*  "Open it for me Mommy.  Ohhh, thank you!  Thank you so much!"

*  "One mommy.  One daddy.  One Colbie.  One Piper."

*  "That's so beautiful."

*  "I scared.  The thunder scare me."

*  She calls everything that fastens or anything that lays across her lap  a "seat belt."  This includes pillow, blankets, arms, and nursing bras.

*  "I wanna do it myself"

* "I want mellow cereal"  This is what she calls Lucky Charms which is actually my cereal but she forces me to share

* "I dirty.  I need a bath"  What she says when she wants to take a bath

* " I not dirty! I clean"  What she says when she does not want to take a bath

* "uh-oh sgetti oh's"

I know there is more to come!  Until next time...


I love my silly girl!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Winners!

The three winners of their own copy of Beautiful Creatures are:

hcioban said... 8
Like Beautiful Creatures on FB.


cpevey said... 17
Following you on twitter...@PeveysGirl

Chanel said... 1
I am a follower...o

Congratulations to the winner and thanks to everyone who entered!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Hello! My name is Selfish

As I am sure you already know, Similac is recalling millions of containers of formula due to a "beetle concern"  This recall has lead to debates and snide comments on both Facebook and Twitter between mothers that are breastfeeding and mothers that are formula feeding.  I am a breastfeeding mom, so this recall does not affect me. However, I have a confession to make.


I never considered breastfeeding my kids until after I became pregnant.  And to be completely honest, the whole idea of it freaked me out just a little bit.  Okay, it freaked me out a lot.  What kind of joy and satisfaction could possibly come from having a baby attached to your boob?  Even reading that breast milk was the best food source for my baby wasn't enough to convince me that I should breastfeed.  But do you want to know what did convince me to give breastfeeding a shot?  I read in one of my pregnancy books that breastfeeding would help me lose the weight that I had put on during pregnancy..

I didn't decide to breastfeed for the benefit of my baby.  I decided to breastfeed for my own benefit.  Those reasons did change as I learned more about the awesomeness that is breast milk, but my initial reason was and will always be based on my own selfishness.

As it turns out, breastfeeding my kids has brought me joy and satisfaction.  But, I also am very much aware that breastfeeding is not possible for every mother in the world.  In times like this, when there are recalls on things like formula, we as mothers need to band together.  These mothers that are using formula did not choose to feed their babies insect parts and larvae.  And when it comes to things that are being put in and on our children's bodies every precaution should be being made by companies to make sure that it safe. That, my friends, is the real issue.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Meet Me On Monday: 9/20/2010



My friend over at Diaries of a SuperMom Diva has done this a few times on her blog and I think it is an awesome way to share little tidbits about myself with you.

Each Sunday night, Never Growing Old post five random questions for us bloggers to answers. Here are the questions and my answers for this week.

1.What is your favorite all time movie?
Oh gosh!  You mean I have to pick just ONE?  I think that I am going to go with What Dreams May Come.  The first time I watched this movie, I didn't get it.  But then I watched it by myself and something clicked.  I probably cried for at least 20 minutes after the ending credits started.  And you know what?  I bet it would affect me even more now that I am married and have kids of my own. 
In addition to the story itself, I love the way colors are used in this movie.  I loved how emotions are mirrored in the colors surrounding the characters.


2. How often do you go over the speed limit?
I used to be a chronic speeder, but I have since pretty much rehabbed.  Having two kids in the car with me at all times has helped curb my need for speed.  Wait, let me take that back.  Getting rid of my 5 speed rice burner is why I've slowed down.  It isn't as much fun to drive fast in my mom mobile.

3. What really gives you the creeps?
I can not stand bugs, spiders and roaches especially.  And you can add snakes to that list, too.  When we first moved into our house, I was having a reoccurring dream where spiders were crawling all over me.  Then, in real life, I pulled the covers back to find dead spiders in my bed. Ewww.
I looked for pictures of spiders but even that gave me the heebee geebees.

4. What is your favorite snack?
I am a junk food junkie.  So, it is no surprise that my favorite snack is pretty much anything that contains chocolate.  If I had to pick just one, though, I'd have to Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies.  Yummy!


5. Would you rather be a dog named Killer or a cat named Fluffy?
I'm not a "Fluffy" kinda girl.  I have a cat and he is named after UFC fighter Rampage Jackson.  So, I would definitely rather be a dog named Killer.  But a cute, cuddly Killer.



I'd love to read your answers, too!  Join in!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Desperate Times

Sooo, Piper has been without a binky for almost 2 weeks.  And she still asks for it. Every. Single. Day.

This causes me, as her mother, to feel guilty about not giving her one.

The kid is only 2.5 years old. I thought for sure she would have forgotten about it by now.  I mean, when will binky forever be gone from her memory.  Maybe, her kicking the binky habit is equivalent to an adult quitting smoking.  I know that former smokers still crave a cigarette every now and then.

Poor thing is still hoping that one will turn up somewhere, too, and she is always looking for a substitute.  She has tried to suck on a scrapbook sticker that is in the shape of a pacifier.  When she came across a doll that had a pacifier she asked if she could put it in her mouth.  Friday, she had me call my parents so she could talk to them.  When Grandpa got on the phone she asked him if he had a binky at his house.  And do you know what he told her?  YES!  Ol' pushover.  I had to force him to throw it somewhere so that when she got to their house and asked for it he wouldn't be lying when he said he didn't know where it was.  Can you imagine how bad life would have been if she had been able to get her hands on that binky?  Bad  Grandpa!  Very Bad.

I know that eventually Piper won't think of her binky anymore.  But until then, I hope that this guilt won't tempt me to just give her the darn thing any more than it already has.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

I Want This: Boba 2G Baby Carrier

I am a babywearing mama.  I love having my little one close to me, but I don't have the arm power to tote her around all the time (which is why I need to be doing this)  I have a Sleepy Wrap and it is awesome, but Colbie really loves to look around.  So, she uses her arms to push against my chest so she can see better.  It looks like it may be time to upgrade to a soft structured carrier so that I can wear her on my back when we are out.  Lucky for me (unlucky for Matt!), the makers of the Sleepy Wrap (I did tell you I love it, right?)  also make the Boba 2G baby carrier.  It has me in complete lust mode.  In December, we will be taking a long flight to Wisconsin, and between airports and such, I know that I need this!  If anyone out there wants to play Santa Clause, (Pine or Willow, please)  I won't mind!!

But, since I doubt anyone is seriously going to drop one in my lap for no reason, I am trying to win one.  And as much as I don't want the added competition, I'm posting about it anyway because I am that desperate to get the extra entries!

So, if you would love a Boba 2G Carrier (and I know you do) head over to Momma in Flip Flops 2 and enter.  It ends on September 17 at midnight Central time.  So hurry and Good luck!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: Piper enjoying a Milkshake

A straw is for stirring, duh!
She rubbed it all over her legs like it was lotion
If you ever think your child looks thrown away think about this image
She told me she was making a picture with her "shake milk"
"I sticky!"
How a mom who doesn't do sticky cleans her kid

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Tracy Anderson 30-Day Method

 




I gave birth to my second child in January, and I will be the first to tell you that my body is less than stellar. I'm not overweight, but I am flabby. I could definitely use some toning up. But, with two kids of my own plus the addition of M during the week, I don't have time to go to a gym. I need something I can do at home on my own.



Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method is a 30 day "boot camp" to jump start your fitness routine.  In the book, Tracy gives you the tools you need to be successful.  It is up to you to decide to use them.

The book features exercises that do not require any fancy equipment. All you need for Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method are a chair, sneakers, ankle weights, and an exercise mat.  There are menus with recipes like "Choco Chestnut Pudding" and "Turkey Avocado Rollup".  There is also a DVD that comes with the book that shows the cardio exercises.

My favorite thing about this book is that Tracy doesn't sugar coat it at all.  She is very up front about the fact that the only way her method is going to work for you is if you follow it exactly.  The first few chapters are about the Method, how it was developed and Tracy's own personal struggle with trying to achieve the perfect body. She repeats, throughout these chapters that you can only be successful if you work hard.  She also believes that if you do the Method her way for 30 days, you should be able to eat food that you enjoy (in moderation, of course) without the worry that one candy bar is going to go straight to your hips.


More about the book from the website:


Did you know muscles get bored, just like people do? And did you also know that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that you're working the wrong muscles when you exercise? With TRACY ANDERSON'S 30-DAY METHOD you don't have to worry--her unique workout will help you drop the weight and shrink your body in just 30 days.

Based on ten years of scientific research and experience getting not just herself, but A-list stars and everyday people, red carpet ready, Anderson has developed a unique 30-day diet and workout routine that reshapes the body and defies genetics to tone the muscles and drop the pounds. While most people incorrectly target their major muscle groups, like the bicep or hamstring, the focus
should be on the smaller accessory muscles that can create a long, lean, balanced look--instead of bulked up look. Anderson's program is composed of a groundbreaking three-tiered approach, including a mat workout and cardio routine targeting the all-important accessory muscles, and an exclusive 30-day meal plan, complete with dozens of delicious recipes.

This comprehensive kick-start program is unlike any other workout on the market and it leaves no chance for anything but terrific, fast results!





Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method is set to be released on September 20, 2010.


Win it here!
Two lucky readers will win their own copy of Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method






 
Mandatory Entry

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Extra Entries
leave a separate comment for each

*Like Adventures in the Land of Little Choo Choos on Facebook

*Follow @littlechoochoos on Twitter
and
Tweet (up to 1x daily leaving perm url. I will be checking)
 
#Fitness jumpstart #giveaway! #win Tracy Anderson's #30dayMethod  from @littlechoochoos  http://t.co/iatqgoa

 
*Enter one of my other giveaways, tell me which one and what your comment number is on that giveaway
(up to 5 extra entries)

*Subscribe to this blog with your email. Be sure to confirm subscription

*Make a blog post linking back to this giveaway post stating why you want to win this (I need a url so I can check!)
(5 extra entries for this one! Remember to leave separate comments)

*Grab my button, putting it on your homepage, and leave a link so I can find it.
(3 entries)

*Add me to your public blog roll and leave the link so I can find it
(3 entries)

*Vote for this blog on Top Mommy Blogs (can be done 1x per day)


Open to US and Canada residents only.  Ends on September 30, 2010, 11:59 pm EST.  Winners will be chosen via Random.org and notified by email with 48 hrs to respond.  If no response, a new winner will be chosen.  Limit one copy of this book per household, so if you have already won one from a different site, you will not be shipped any additional copies.  I received this book for free to review, but this did not affect my review in any way.  I received no other compensation.
 

Giveaway: CSNStores.com Gift Certificate

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from cheap bedroom furniture to jogging strollers. When it came time for Colbie to move out of her infant carrier and into a convertible car seat, we found the best price at a CSN Store.

I am excited to be able to offer 1 lucky reader a $35 GC to use at any of the CSN stores. You can use it to buy a Halloween costume for your child, toys ( Christmas is fast approaching!), or even bedroom furniture.


Mandatory Entry

Follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
and
Visit Bedroom Furniture and tell me one thing you would like to have.
(It can be anything- You are under no obligation to buy it if you win)



Extra Entries
leave a separate comment for each


*Follow @littlechoochoos on Twitter
and
Tweet (up to 1x daily leaving perm url. I will be checking)
#giveaway to #win a $35 GC to @CSN stores from @littlechoochoos http://t.co/3mamxnc 

*Follow @CSNStores on Twitter

*Like CSN Stores on Facebook

*Enter one of my other giveaways, tell me which one and what your comment number is on that giveaway
(up to 5 extra entries)

*Subscribe to this blog with your email. Be sure to confirm subscription

*Make a blog post linking back to this giveaway post stating why you want to win this (I need a url so I can check!)
(5 extra entries for this one! Remember to leave separate comments)

*Grab my button, putting it on your homepage, and leave a link so I can find it.
(3 entries)

*Add me to your public blog roll and leave the link so I can find it
(3 entries)

*Vote for this blog on Top Mommy Blogs (can be done 1x per day)

Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and will end on Sept. 30th 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org and  notified by email and have 48 hrs to respond.  If no response  a new winner will be chosen.   Gift Card cannot be applied to previous purchases or shipping costs. 

Monday, September 13, 2010

Oh Dora!

If you are a follower of my blog, then you may have read that we gave Piper a dancing Dora doll for doing well with her potty training.  Little did we know that Colbie would be the one who actually would do things to catch a glimpse of Dora doing her dance.
Colbie is the opposite of Piper;  where Piper is high strung passionate, Colbie is easy going.  But, her laid back nature has been a cause for concern in my mommy mind.  When I took her to her six month checkup, she still wasn't doing a mini push up when on her stomach.  And, although she had rolled over from her tummy to her back, she had only done it one time.  I mentioned this to her Dr. and she assured me that Colbie was fine.  She told me she was just lazy.
Being her mom, I took a little offense to the word "lazy" being used to describe my child.  But I now have to admit that she is, in fact, lazy.
So what does Colbie being lazy and Dora have to do with one another?  Let me show you!!

You caught me! I can do a mini push up!
I might even try to crawl... but only for Dora!
But that isn't the only thing she'll do for Dora.  She shocked me with something else, too. The little rascal!

What?  You didn't know I could sit up?
Why did she quit dancing?
"Will Work For Dora!"

I really was shocked.  Before we busted out the Dora doll, Colbie would sit up for 2 seconds.  That was it.  I set Dora down in front of her and suddenly, Colbie was a pro.  She sat up for at least 10 minutes before she started to fall back.  Oh, Colbie!  I am in no rush whatsoever, but what am I going to have to do to get you to walk? 

  Little does Mommy know I already make late night trips
to the kitchen to eat all her chocolate! Hahaha!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Beautiful Creatures CD



My kids love music.  Colbie gets really excited and Piper loves to dance whenever they hear a song that they like.  The problem is that music meant for kids can get old really fast for the parents.  So, I am always on the search for music that both my kids and myself will enjoy.

I was given the opportunity to review a digital copy of Beautiful Creatures, an album consisting of 10 African Songs written for children.  I love that it is from South Africa because I want my kids to experience all types of music so that hopefully they will like a wider range.

More about Beautiful Creatures from their website:

"Beautiful Creatures was formed in South Africa in November 2004 by Alan Glass, Ed Jordan and Paul Choritz who felt there was a need for “Parent Friendly” children’s music. Using the best session musicians, actors and singers in the country, Beautiful Creatures prides itself on being uniquely South African with a positive global message.

The past five years has seen the Beautiful Creatures brand become a household name in South Africa, with books, clothes and toys as well as a T.V. series in development. As more and more Beautiful Creatures cds are sent overseas as gifts, the response has been overwhelming and the brand is now ready to take the world by storm! We are also now available online through Itunes, and keep in touch with twitter and facebook.

In a fast paced world where parents and children have limited quality time, Beautiful Creature’s mission is to bring families together offering a uniquely South African brand with an educational and positive message."



As soon as I turned on Beautiful Creatures, both Piper and M, started dancing.  I liked the music, too.  It didn't sound too kiddie and it had a great beat.  The lyrics are cute, fun, and informative. The CD has several songs based on animals: Imvubu the Happiest Hippo, Lucas the Lazy Lion, .Mafutha the Elephant, and Wallace the Wondrous Warthog.  It moves from upbeat songs at the beginning to slower, more mellow songs at the end.

I love all the songs, but I really love the African Lullaby.   The music is soothing and it really is a great lullaby.  I think it will make a great addition to the bedtime routine that I desperately need to put into place.;o)

There are several Beautiful Creatures albums, toys and a book available.


Buy it:

You can purchase your own copy of Beautiful Creatures from iTunes by going here for $9.90



Win it:

Beautiful Creatures is offering a digital copy of the album to 3 lucky readers.


Mandatory Entry

Follow this blog publicly on Google Friend Connect.  Leave a comment letting me know that you are a follower with your email address.


Extra Entries
You can do one, all or none.  Be sure to leave a separate comment for each you do!

*Follow @littlechoochoos on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (1x daily)
#Win a digital copy of Beautiful Creatures from @littlechoochoos and @beauticreature open worldwide http://goo.gl/b/GYJ9

*Like the Adventures in the Land of Little Choo Choos on FaceBook

*Follow Beautiful Creatures on Twitter

*Like Beautiful Creatures on Facebook

*Vote for this blog on Top Mommy Blogs


Good Luck!

This giveaway is open worldwide and will end on Sept. 22, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my email.  If no response, a new winner will be chosen

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Review: Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo

I'm a lazy busy mom, so my hair is sometimes neglected.  Okay, who am I trying to kid here?  My hair is lucky if it gets washed more than 2 times a week.  I know that is gross, but I have a 2.5 year old and a 7 month old.  Plus, I watch a 23 month old 5 days a week.  I take it as a sign that it is going to be a very good day if I am even able to get into the shower!  So, back to the hair.  I often find myself looking at greasy hair.  And this is usually when we are about to walk out the door to go somewhere that more than likely entails running into someone I know.

I have heard about dry shampoos in the past.  I've even been tempted to buy it.  But, my husband doesn't I don't like wasting money on things that don't work, so I've been afraid to try it.  So,  I was really excited when the folks at Salon Grafix sent me a bottle of Invisible Dry Shampoo to try out.




According to the Salon Grafix website:


Salon Grafix's Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo goes on clear to clean and refresh your hair - with no color and no powdery residue. Just spray in and brush out.



•New Invisible Formula


•Neutralizes Odors


•No Powdery Residue


•Safe for All Hair Types



The day it came in the mail, I had actually washed my hair.  So, I had to wait to try it out.  I've never been more excited about not washing my hair! I waited 48 hours (which is often the case anyway) before I gave the Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo a try. 

Before:  Nice and greasy ;)             

I followed the directions listed on the bottle. After spraying it onto my roots in short burst, I let the product dry for at least one minute.  Then, I ran a brush through my hair and voila, my hair looked a lot cleaner and smelled fabulous. 


After:  It looks much better!
I am very pleased with the results.  If you ask me, Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo is well worth $7.99.

Things I love:
  • It degreased my hair!
  • It smells great!
  • It didn't leave any powdery residue in my hair.
  • This product will help lengthen the life of my hair color.
The Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Shampoo is great for touch ups between washes.   You can purchase it at retails stores such as CVS and Target nationwide. 

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Really?!?! REALLY???

I am in utter disbelief right now. 

Piper went to bed last night and slept all night without her pacifier!!!

Taking the binky away has been on the agenda for a while, but with potty training and her multitude of sleep issues, I had put it on the back burner.  For anyone that knows Piper, they know that taking her binky away was most definitely going to be a traumatic experience.  Where most kids have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, Piper had her pacifier.  Things got really bad around here when she started asking for it by name...

"Mama!  Where's my Binky? Find IT!"

When she gets mad in the car, she throws it and then expect someone to find it for her ( and you should see my car. Finding anything in there is not an easy task!). She may love her Binky, but she had a hard time keeping up with it.  As annoying as her talking to you with that thing in her mouth is, I have to admit it was the telling me to find it that would really aggravate me.

Well, we went to the store on Saturday and she had a binky with her.  I make her leave her binky in the car, but she somehow managed to sneak it in this time.  When we leave the store, she doesn't have it, but neither Matt nor I notice until we get into the car and she asks for it.  I was sure that a meltdown would follow when I explained to her that she lost it in the store and that Mommy doesn't know where it is.  Instead, she asked me if I knew where her pink binky was.  I did and I tell her where it is.  This satisfies her and she doesn't ask about the lost binky again.

Two days later, she loses the pink binky.  Neither she nor I notice until bedtime.  Colbie is asleep and being the awesome big sister that she is she whispered "I need binky." 
I whisper back that I don't know where it is.   After I tell her that I am not going to find it, she simply falls asleep.

And that was it! No scream fest, no tears, no throwing things.  Where was the meltdown and battle that I just knew we would face when it was time for binky to go away?  What happen to my drama queen.  I didn't know that 2 year olds could be so rational and *gasp* mature!

This morning, she asked for her binky only one time after getting out of bed.  I once again told her that I didn't know where it was.  That was the last I heard of it.  Of course, she hasn't gone to bed yet.

My baby girl is growing up.  Bittersweet, I tell you, bittersweet.