A girl and her doll

Meet Emma.

The creepiest doll you'll ever meet.
PS. I hate all dolls with fluttering lids.




Emma & Paige are BFFs. Emma goes EVERYWHERE we go.

On walks.

To smell flowers.

She even gets her diaper changed at Meme and Bumpa's. As creepy as Emma is, I'm glad that Paige has a toy that she adores and doesn't get tired of.

Miss Sassy Pants

Sorry for the unexpected vacation...I was overwhelmed by everything blogging thanks to BlogHer12.

I still have a recap coming, as well as a few sponsor posts to share...and GIVEAWAYS! I promise I'm back to posting regularly :)

And now I leave you with a picture of Miss Sassy Pants herself...

We've made it 2+ years...

We've been very lucky being first-time parents. Paige has only been sick a handful of times (1 ear infection last July) and over 2+ tears of being vomit-free.

That streak was broken with a vengeance on Monday.

Marc heard Paige crying about 4:45 AM and went in to check on her. She was standing up, asking for "Mommy" (that's new, btw. I'm usually Momma). He brought her to me in bed and said, "I think she threw up, she smells like vomit." Turn on the light to see her poor little face covered :(

We ended up at Urgent Care that night - her fever spiked to 103.9 after Tylenol and she hadn't drank or eaten anything all day. They ruled out pneumonia, UTI, and strep but the staff did let us know that Hand, Foot, Mouth is going around so to be on the look out for the blisters/sores that indicate that.

I'm so appreciative of the staff there. They were all moms of young kids like Paige and were super friendly and didn't seem rushed at all. The doctor even called me on Tuesday to make sure Paige was OK and to let me know that she was working that evening so we could call her or come see her if we had any questions!

We got home pretty late Monday night and Paige had perked up just a bit. Marc had an extra long work day so we let Paige stay up and get some Daddy cuddles and Tangled in. 

So far, so good in that we haven't seen any blisters/red bumps to indicate Hand, Foot, Mouth. I definitely do not enjoy sick kids (although having your toddler cuddle with you is pretty much the best thing ever. Here's hoping we can make it 2+ years before experiencing it again!

Tippy Tumble!

A certain toddler has learned how to "tippy tumble" and just cannot stop! I've caught her trying to do it in her crib and in her trampoline. It's simply the cutest thing ever.

REVIEW: The Cookie Mamas!

Shannon and Paige from The Cookie Mamas offered to send Paige a sample of their Strawberry Lentil Oatmeal cookies. As the mom of a kid with a wicked sweet tooth, I saw the ingredients and was instantly hooked - give Paige a cookie (which she LOVES) and it's healthy? WIN!

I picked up my package from the post office and immediately opened it to offer Paige a snack...I don't think we made it out of the parking lot before she was asking for more!

(My) Paige absolutely loved these cookies...I called them her "special treat" and it was great to hear her ask for them. I had to sneak a few bites in to see why she loved them so much...they were tasty and delicious and great to go down with a nice glass of milk!

I also ordered (for myself) a custom cookie - Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chunk. The Cookie Mamas have a version of this in their shop - Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Yes, I just reversed the flavors. Paige did an amazing job with my cookies. They weren't small cookies by any means and even my husband, the cookie master, devoured a few of them and even the crumbs! Needless to say, we'll be ordering more cookies from them soon!

Pissed Off. Hurt. Family sucks.

Last night, we dropped off Paige to my parents' house. They were watching her for us today and it's alot easier to have her there the night before so I'm not doing a 6:00 AM drop-off :)

My sister, "B", was there last night and today. At one point, B put tape over Paige's mouth...while my mother was in the room.

I wouldn't have known a thing until my mom told me to keep any tape we may have around up. I was confused at first and had to ask for clarification. My mom then explained how B had put the tape over Paige's mouth and once it was removed, Paige reached for the tape again.

I promptly lost it.

Back, about 10 1/2 years ago, I did tape my B's mouth shut in the car after my dad's company party. I had my parents permission and I was 16/17 while she was 13/14 at the time.

When I called to freak out on her (and freak out I did), she tried to throw that experience back in my face. Looking back at it, it wasn't my smartest decision but it was funny because my parents were OK with it, and she agreed to it (and knew what she was agreeing to). B understand what I was doing and comprehended it.

Paige didn't know. She didn't understand.

Being around a toddler is an experience - you try to teach your kid the proper way to act. You're an example at all times, even when you don't want to be.

I am above and beyond mad. Even now, hours after I found out. I've told B that she cannot see Paige (which apparently is NOT heart-breaking to her). I've called her names, I've yelled. And now? Now I'm not happy. I want a punching bag, because if B had been home, I can almost guarantee I would have hit her. I have this pent up anger where I just want to grab B by the shoulders and shake her for being so frickin stupid. I want to teach her what it means to be an aunt, to be an adult around a toddler.

Bite Marks, Bruises, Hickeys....Oh My!

I don't know where my sweet, innocent, good Paige went but ohmigoodness I want her back!

She has become a biting machine. I had a bruise last week from a bite. A hickey on my shoulder from where she bit me over and over and over again. On a daily basis, I usually have some sort of bite mark from her as well. She really likes the corner of my knee, it's perfect height for whether I'm standing or sitting when she decides to bite.

I talked to her doctor who said to essentially ignore Paige whenever she hits or bites me us. When a kid does something, they're looking for a reaction, whether it's good or bad. In theory, if she doesn't get a reaction, she'll stop biting and hitting. Since we're disciplining Paige when she does non-physical things - throwing something, ignoring us when we repeatedly tell her to not do something. She gets timeout for 2 minutes and we've seen a decrease in those behaviors. 


To not do anything when being bit or hit sucks. I just want to scream and push her away. I'm hoping that this stage passes quickly - her language skills are developing so fast and we're hearing new words and phrases almost every day. I'm hoping that the cause of these outbursts could be from her communication skills (or lack thereof). And maybe *just maybe*, when she can say exactly what she wants, we'll be over this.




A mom can dream, right?

Vacation: Storyland Style

Last week, we took the trip up North to Storyland. If you're in the New England region looking for an amusement park geared towards your younger kid, definitely check it out!

We were lucky enough to find a great motel nearby so we drove up the Kancamangus (if you're not from here, I don't expect you to know what it is ;}) and made a great trip out of it!

Paige hanging out in front of a train

Smiles and waves!

I have no clue why she's so excited!

After bath time, hanging with her pal, Mickey.

That's right, fist-bumping Cinderella cuz Paige is a bad ass.

Easily a highlight of the trip...she got to ride a horsie!

We have a bit more vacation plans to share with you (including my Toddler Box - which saved our sanity on this 3ish hour road trip!)

Wordlessish Wednesday| Trampoline Fun!

In case you missed my post on Monday, my parents bought Paige a trampoline for her birthday!

Now, don't get worried - it's not a super huge one like my siblings and I had! This one is made specifically for little kids :)

Helping Grampa set up the trampoline!

The Birthday Girl enjoying the newly set up trampoline!!

Even though it was raining, we still had to jump!

Lost.

I apologize for the severe lack of updates on the blog. I feel like I've been off-kilter this whole week. Between Memorial Day, Paige's birthday and upcoming party, vacation starting as of 3:00 PM...I'm surprised I remember my name at this point.

The good news is that once Sunday is done, I will have time to devote to YOU....sorta ;) Paige's 2nd birthday party is Sunday and I'm sending her to daycare on Monday and kicking the hubby out to go fishing. A whole day to myself which my biggest plan is to sit outside and read!

We are also taking a staycation, which will kick butt and be totally awesome because it's time away from work (no offense, coworkers ;}) and it's with my family. It doesn't get much better than that.

I can't wait to catch you all up on the adorableness that is Paige (and the craziness that will be her birthday...keep your fingers crossed for GREAT weather on Sunday!)

Potty Training: Peanut Style

Paige is 2 in six days and potty training is becoming a hot topic in our household - When to do it, how to do it. We're very lucky that where Paige goes to daycare is very small (in-home provider) and she's the youngest female that goes there so she has older kids, potty trained kids, to look up to.

Paige goes on the potty very consistently at daycare and more often than not, I'm getting told that she was dry and went on the potty every time. Marc and I, unfortunately, have yet to keep this trend going at home.

I'm kinda clueless as to when to start or even what to do. If we ask Paige if she needs to go potty, she'll tell us "No" 95% of the time. She is pretty good about telling us AFTER she's gone poop.

If you have any advice (even if it's a "Hey dummy, she needs to communicate better...wait!" type of advice)...I'd love to hear it :)

2 years ago.

Dear Paige,

2 years ago, this was honestly a kinda stressful time. It was my due date and I wanted you here. My whole pregnancy felt like a dream and I was anxious for you to make your entrance (and I was honestly scared about my water breaking in public, I'll admit). I wanted to see the color of your hair, feel your soft baby skin. I wanted to hold the baby of my dreams.

You surprised your dad and I by showing up a week late, but that was only because you got an eviction notice. I'm sure you would have stayed much longer if they had let you.

I'm shocked the past two years have gone so quickly and the next two will fly by. I'm excited to see where this next year brings us, and what new treasures you'll share.

I love you, Paige. More than words can ever express.

Birthday Palooza: 9designs Giveaway!

One week, people.

One week. Today was my due date for Paige. And honestly? These dates bring back so many memories for me. The contractions, the walking, the doctor's appointments the anticipation. But that's another post for another day.

Jenni has a fabulous Etsy shop that's been my go-to for birthday invites for the whole 2 years we've needed them :) The prize is -1- custom or ready made invite (up to an $18 value) to 9designs. Use it now or in the future!

Follow the Rafflecopter form below win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Y3W| Shipping Off {to} Boston!

Sorry for the lame title (and lame video) but it's a relatively enjoyable song ;)


This weekend, at one point, we're shipping off to Boston...haha. I'm a sucker for any family tradition and I really wanted one that I "created". Before Paige was born, I told Marc how I thought it'd be a cool idea to bring Paige (and any future children) out on a nice day trip on/around their birthday. We started last year by bringing Paige to New England Aquarium and Legal Seafood. That was about all she could handle, but it was enough.

This year? We're hitting the aquarium again. It's kid friendly, the price is right for Paige (free!) And I'm hoping to stop at Boston Commons and bring Paige to see the duckling statues, and also let her run around and get some energy out.


And don't forget to enter my Sweet Stella's giveaway in honor of Paige's birthday!

Wordlessish Wednesday| Fishies!

Remember that lovely design? It's the software design from lil shabebe for Paige's birthday tshirt (she also designed her 1st birthday t-shirt as well)!

Well, it shipped...fast. And Paige is really in love with it. We actually have hidden it in our closet so that Paige can't drag it around the house!

Paige will get to wear her special shirt on Saturday when we bring her to New England Aquarium...how appropriate!

Let's Talk Birthdays

You guys?

My kid turns 2 in 3 weeks and 1 day....not that I'm counting or anything.

I've been working with some fantastic people to make Paige's party special. Shannon from Sweet Stella's, Jenni from 9Designs, and Jill from lil shabebe have all been absolutely amazing and fantastic to work with.


Back in January or December, I began to brainstorm ideas. I had it narrowed down to:
- Under the Sea theme
   Marc had recently converted his 75 gallon tank to a saltwater tank and Paige LOVED the fishies. She helps Marc feed them at night, and she loves to watch them.
- Minions/Despicable Me
   My kid LOVES this movie. LOVES. It's become that movie that we hide so we don't have to watch it...but of course Paige finds the DVD anyways.

After talking to Marc and playing on Pinterest, we decided on an Under the Sea theme...what better way to kick off summer?

My first stop was Shannon. She made Paige's banner for her 1st birthday and we received so many compliments, she was the first stop!

This time, instead of just a banner, we went a little more creative. Shannon's created sea creature centerpieces, seaweed and fish/bubble garland, and a birthday banner!

Centerpieces - each one on it's own stick. Probably will line the driveway

Bubble/Fish garland...look at the blue glitter to give it that extra touch!

Seaweed garland...LOVE the detail Shannon added!

So, with a theme and decor finalized, it was Jenni's turn to help us out!

Give her party details and theme (I actually emailed her some of the pictures of the decor to help) and she creates this beauty that family and friends are getting soon!

Last year, I got Paige a personalized birthday shirt to match the theme of her 1st party

Perfection, right?

Well, here's this year's shirt:

Just the software design, but it's exactly what I was looking for!

I loved planning Paige's 1st birthday, because it seemed so special at that time. But her 2nd birthday, it's special in it's own right. There will be more kids, she'll have an idea of what's going on (she'll be into more things) and it's yet another year we get to celebrate!

Nerves.

Tomorrow, Shizz is hosting a Keurig Vue party. She and I live a little over an hour apart so she's invited me and Peanut to attend (and don't tell the kids, but this is pretty much an arranged marriage already...her son's only a couple months younger than Paige)!

I'm really excited to be going. After all, I'll be rooming with Shannon in NYC in August so it'll be great to hang out ahead of time!

However...I'm nervous. Like, really nervous. I've "known" Shannon for over 2 years from our time on The Bump together and connecting via our blogs/Twitter but this is our first face-to-face meeting. And I'm feeling like an insecure high schooler. Will she like me? Will our kids get along? OMG what embarrassing thing will I say?

Shan said she's nervous too which makes me feel better (no offense, Shan)! It's silly, we're "internet friends". We know things about each other so it's not like we're complete strangers. Plus, there's coffee, wine, and food.  Our kids will hopefully be playing together, we'll get the chance to connect and things will be great!

Y3W| Happy Birthday, Fenway!

As a New England sports fan, Fenway Park holds a special place in history and fans' hearts. It's where our beloved Red Sox have broken our hearts, tested our spirits, and celebrated their accomplishments. Today is Fenway's 100th "Birthday" and it's killing me that we couldn't get to their Open House yesterday to walk the grounds (nor can we afford tickets to today's game).

Fenway is where I was the night before I found out I was pregnant with Paige and we were right across the highway from it on our mini-moon.

Quite the view, huh?

While in Boston on our mini-moon, we spent two amazing games there :)

YAY Newlyweds!! 

(Our shirts actually said NEWLYWED on the back!)

Love Wally and the Boston cop on his cell :)

I was very lucky that in the September after Paige was born, to bring Paige to Fenway in a non-game environment!

Paige with Wally in the outfield

Yes, we got to go IN the Red Sox clubhouse...it was amazing.
And Paige's shirt says "Little Monstah". I figured it was appropriate given where we were 

Paige looking annoyed next to fake Wally.

I am so glad that plans for other ball parks in Boston have failed. There's something to be said about walking into Fenway Park and watching a game where some of the greatest players have played. I am looking forward to bringing Paige to her first game :)


Happy Birthday, Fenway! Here's to another 100 years and many more memories to enjoy!!

REVIEW: Make A Ball

I was recently offered the chance to review Make A Ball. It's a fun company that allows you to personalize a sports ball :) With Marc's birthday being in the beginning of April, I figured it'd be a fun, personalized gift from Paige. I chose a baseball because of Marc's obsession love with the Red Sox. Seriously, this is the guy who wants to name our future/potential son after (now-retired) Red Sox catcher, Jason Varitek. I wish I was kidding.


Now, what better gift to get Dada then something with his favorite little girl's picture?

The process was super easy. Go to their website, Make A Ball. Click on "Start Now" and begin by selecting your ball choice. It walks you through step-by-step on how to design the ball - you have a choice of simply uploading a picture and text or going through and designing every aspect by yourself.

Here is what my hubby got to open on his birthday!

The balls take approximately a month to complete but I actually received mine within 3/3.5 weeks of ordering...AWESOME! They were even able to keep me up-to-date and tweet a picture of my ball before they shipped it out. Such a personal touch! :) I'm sure we'll be ordering a hockey puck for a certain grandfather's birthday...

The quality is great. The picture is sharp and clear (regardless of what my camera thinks). Ours is currently on our "wedding" shelf, next to the baseball we got at Fenway during our mini-moon.



If you're interested in giving yourself or a loved one an awesome, unique gift for an upcoming celebration, Make A Ball is offering my reader 20% off their order! Just enter this code: mab.20.ref when ordering.

Check these guys out online at their website and Twitter.

Wordlessish Wednesday| 6.

My brother decided that Paige needed an Easter basket. Filled with peeps, Reeses Eggs, jelly beans, Easter gummy shapes and 6 Nerf guns.

Yes. 6.

My daughter is becoming Rambo. Or it'll be a each-wo/man-for-themselves fight.