Head over to ModParent where they have three, yes three, awesome giveaways going on right now! You can enter to win the following:
1. Jane Nanuq Stroller
2. KidsEmbrace Batman Booster (I REALLY WANT TO WIN THIS!!)
3. A Britax Frontier 90
Make sure you put my name Katie Klein in the vote for me box and good luck :)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Why I Chose NOT to Breastfeed
I see a lot of blog posts and comments that seem to make women feel less of a woman if they choose not to breastfeed and it made me think a lot about why I chose not to. In a day in age when Time magazine publishes a mother breastfeeding her 3 year old on the cover it seems as though the world is obsessed with the topic. I am not against it all and in fact I praise you for doing it, sticking to it, and reaching your personal breastfeeding goals. What I hate is the fact that many women feel that they are failures as a mom for not doing so.
With my first son I was very strong willed...I WOULD breastfeed. I honestly thought he would just come out, latch on, and we would bond through our breastfeeding experiences until he got teeth or turned one. It turned out to be one of the worst experiences ever. I am not trying to turn anyone off from breastfeeding as yes, breast is best, so STOP READING NOW if you do not want to here my horrible experience.
1. He would not latch on we tried every way and every device possible and this kid was not having it. I remember the lactation nurses being stumped and telling me don't worry he will eventually get it. Nope.
2. Since he would not latch on I was forced to use a hospital pump. I have never experienced a more horrible pain then pumping dry boobs (and yes I had just given birth and there was NO comparison). My milk had not come in yet so pumping every couple hours was excruciating! I would bite my tongue and whisper curse words to myself as I turned on the machine.
3. I was determined to give this kid breast milk though so I pumped and pumped. I was so proud of myself my freezer and fridge filled with milk. I was like a dairy cow pumping away. I had so much I could donate it I thought to myself. ~ I did have one happy memory :)
4. Then it happened I woke up in the middle of the night and my boob was a rock. I am not even exaggeratting it was so hard and hurt so bad I wanted to chop it off. I pumped to find no relief. I googled "boob hard as rock" and realized I had a clogged milk duct and it should go away within a day. Fine I thought I could handle a day, hot shower maybe that will help.
5. I woke up that morning feeling like death. It had now become infected. I was not moving from that bed at all. It felt like I had bubonic plague. Thankfully my husband was home to take care of our newborn son all day.
6. 24 hours later it did go away I felt fine and I went to pump and nothing. I pumped the next day, every 3 hours, and got maybe an ounce total. I tried the next day and it was the same. Seriously I thought, where did it all go I was a freaking cow with bottles overflowing I had to stop pumping just to put more bottles on the pump I had so much milk.
I was DONE!! I just couldn't take it anymore and was pleased I at least had enough milk to get through the first month.
When I became pregnant again I made the decision not to even try. Mainly because of me. Some people may think I am selfish and maybe I am but it was my choice to make. I would have been home alone with a 2 year old and a newborn and didn't want to have to worry about pumping. Being attached to a pump every 3 hours for 15-20 minutes is time consuming and draining and then add keeping track of a curious two year old while your boobs are attached to a pump. Washing all the parts after you pump every single time, sterilizing them, is draining too. I didn't get that cute little sign in his bassinet at the hospital that says "I am a breast fed baby". Was it the best choice? Who knows, but I do know I was stress free (as a mother can be with a newborn and a 2 year old), my baby was happy, and isn't that what truly matters.
I just want all those mothers out there to know whether you tried and stopped or decided to use formula you are not a failure. You are just as much of a mama to the little baby as a mama who breastfeeds. Do what you think is best for you and your situation and don't feel the pressure of what society has defined as the perfect mommy.
With my first son I was very strong willed...I WOULD breastfeed. I honestly thought he would just come out, latch on, and we would bond through our breastfeeding experiences until he got teeth or turned one. It turned out to be one of the worst experiences ever. I am not trying to turn anyone off from breastfeeding as yes, breast is best, so STOP READING NOW if you do not want to here my horrible experience.
1. He would not latch on we tried every way and every device possible and this kid was not having it. I remember the lactation nurses being stumped and telling me don't worry he will eventually get it. Nope.
2. Since he would not latch on I was forced to use a hospital pump. I have never experienced a more horrible pain then pumping dry boobs (and yes I had just given birth and there was NO comparison). My milk had not come in yet so pumping every couple hours was excruciating! I would bite my tongue and whisper curse words to myself as I turned on the machine.
3. I was determined to give this kid breast milk though so I pumped and pumped. I was so proud of myself my freezer and fridge filled with milk. I was like a dairy cow pumping away. I had so much I could donate it I thought to myself. ~ I did have one happy memory :)
4. Then it happened I woke up in the middle of the night and my boob was a rock. I am not even exaggeratting it was so hard and hurt so bad I wanted to chop it off. I pumped to find no relief. I googled "boob hard as rock" and realized I had a clogged milk duct and it should go away within a day. Fine I thought I could handle a day, hot shower maybe that will help.
5. I woke up that morning feeling like death. It had now become infected. I was not moving from that bed at all. It felt like I had bubonic plague. Thankfully my husband was home to take care of our newborn son all day.
6. 24 hours later it did go away I felt fine and I went to pump and nothing. I pumped the next day, every 3 hours, and got maybe an ounce total. I tried the next day and it was the same. Seriously I thought, where did it all go I was a freaking cow with bottles overflowing I had to stop pumping just to put more bottles on the pump I had so much milk.
I was DONE!! I just couldn't take it anymore and was pleased I at least had enough milk to get through the first month.
When I became pregnant again I made the decision not to even try. Mainly because of me. Some people may think I am selfish and maybe I am but it was my choice to make. I would have been home alone with a 2 year old and a newborn and didn't want to have to worry about pumping. Being attached to a pump every 3 hours for 15-20 minutes is time consuming and draining and then add keeping track of a curious two year old while your boobs are attached to a pump. Washing all the parts after you pump every single time, sterilizing them, is draining too. I didn't get that cute little sign in his bassinet at the hospital that says "I am a breast fed baby". Was it the best choice? Who knows, but I do know I was stress free (as a mother can be with a newborn and a 2 year old), my baby was happy, and isn't that what truly matters.
I just want all those mothers out there to know whether you tried and stopped or decided to use formula you are not a failure. You are just as much of a mama to the little baby as a mama who breastfeeds. Do what you think is best for you and your situation and don't feel the pressure of what society has defined as the perfect mommy.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Kids LiveWell at a Restaurant Near You!!
I wrote this review while participating in a
campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the National Restaurant
Association. I attended a live event and received a gift bag and promotional
item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
I was recently invited to attend the National Restaurant Association
Show for a Kids LiveWell Event. I was so excited, and not just because I got to enjoy an afternoon without my children, who I love dearly, and no not because I got to leave work early. Well these are all added bonuses I was most excited about all of the yummy food! Delicious, healthy, meals prepared by fabulous chefs and you don't have to ask me twice.
The Kids LiveWell program was introduced to help provide healthier meal options for kids while dining out at restaurants. I know one of my biggest pet peeves when going out to eat is a kids menu that consists of chicken fingers and mac & cheese. Now you don't have to submit to the same unhealthy options. With over 120 brands the LiveWell program is now in more then 33,000 locations across the United States. You can find menu options in some of my favorite restaurants such as IHOP, Denny's, Corner Bakery, Red Lobster, Chili's and many many more. To find a restaurant near you that participates in the program simply go here and punch in your zip code or download the Kids LiveWell app. You can easily tell if an item on the menu is part of the LiveWell program by the apple icon next to it.
While at the event I got to hang out with celebrity chef Marc Murphy. We also got to taste all of the winning recipes in the 2013 Kids Recipe Challenge. The unique thing I loved about the winning recipes was that they were all chosen by kids! Who better then kids themselves to choose the recipes they love. I tried a delicious Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash, a Chip Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, but my favorite was Qdoba's Lil' Pulled Pork Naked Burrito. They are all recipes I am sure my boys would love.
The next time you go out to eat with your family make sure to look for the little red apple next to menu items. With recipes that emphasize lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, as well as meet stringent nutritional criteria it takes the guesswork out of finding healthy options for your family.
For more information please be sure to check out the Kids LiveWell program:
Kids LiveWell App: in the Android Market and iTunesapp store
Kids LiveWell on Facebook and Twitter
Participating restaurants: HealthyDiningFinder.com
I was recently invited to attend the National Restaurant Association
Show for a Kids LiveWell Event. I was so excited, and not just because I got to enjoy an afternoon without my children, who I love dearly, and no not because I got to leave work early. Well these are all added bonuses I was most excited about all of the yummy food! Delicious, healthy, meals prepared by fabulous chefs and you don't have to ask me twice.
The next time you go out to eat with your family make sure to look for the little red apple next to menu items. With recipes that emphasize lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, as well as meet stringent nutritional criteria it takes the guesswork out of finding healthy options for your family.
For more information please be sure to check out the Kids LiveWell program:
Kids LiveWell App: in the Android Market and iTunesapp store
Kids LiveWell on Facebook and Twitter
Participating restaurants: HealthyDiningFinder.com
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The World of Eric Carle ~ Review
We are huge Eric Carle fans in my house so I was really excited to have the opportunity to review some of the great products from The World of Eric Carle line. If you know me personally you will know that we even had a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme for Chris's 2nd birthday party. I remember the Very Hungry Caterpillar book from my childhood and as something that I always enjoyed I introduced my boys to Eric Carle by reading them his books from the time they were born.
The one thing that draws me in to his books besides great stories is the fun bright illustrations in the books. This is carried over to the toys with many fun bright colors and designs. I can always spot an Eric Carle toy by its signature designs. You can check out my video review and descriptions below and be sure to check out The World of Eric Carle on facebook as well here. Be kind as this is my 1st ever video review!!
Developmental Plush Blue Horse (Ages 0+) – The Developmental Horse is unique created based on accepted research of how babies develop within the first two years of life. But most importantly, your little one will find this so much fun! This horse has a sound chip, a bell rattle, ribbon tags, and textured fabric to get all your babies senses going. It also includes multiple teethers, rings and a bead rattle to relieve those aching new teeth and a satin streamer and knotties for the tail to play with. Best yet you can take it anywhere with the on-the-go caterpillar clip! Available for $18 at Kohl’s and Amazon.
Both of my sons loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Stacker even with a two year age difference. Nick especially loved the Developmental Plush Blue Horse. I think any or even all three of these toys would make a great baby shower gift. Hope you enjoyed my first ever video review!!
Disclosure: I was given the products mentioned in exchange for a review and video post of them. All opinions are my own.
The one thing that draws me in to his books besides great stories is the fun bright illustrations in the books. This is carried over to the toys with many fun bright colors and designs. I can always spot an Eric Carle toy by its signature designs. You can check out my video review and descriptions below and be sure to check out The World of Eric Carle on facebook as well here. Be kind as this is my 1st ever video review!!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Stacker (Ages 6-24M) – The wood stacker is a must for your child. Standing 7.5 inches tall the caterpillar has four green “segments” that can be stacked onto the base and felt antennas for a softer touch. Available for $20 at Babies ‘R’ Us and Amazon.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Stroller Cards (Ages 0-3) – These 5 die-cut, shaped stroller cards featuring the beloved illustrations from Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar are easy to attach to a stroller, backpack, or diaper bag. The engaging art and touch-and-feel elements make them perfect interactive entertainment for babies on the go. Available for $9.99 at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
Developmental Plush Blue Horse (Ages 0+) – The Developmental Horse is unique created based on accepted research of how babies develop within the first two years of life. But most importantly, your little one will find this so much fun! This horse has a sound chip, a bell rattle, ribbon tags, and textured fabric to get all your babies senses going. It also includes multiple teethers, rings and a bead rattle to relieve those aching new teeth and a satin streamer and knotties for the tail to play with. Best yet you can take it anywhere with the on-the-go caterpillar clip! Available for $18 at Kohl’s and Amazon.
Both of my sons loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wood Stacker even with a two year age difference. Nick especially loved the Developmental Plush Blue Horse. I think any or even all three of these toys would make a great baby shower gift. Hope you enjoyed my first ever video review!!
Disclosure: I was given the products mentioned in exchange for a review and video post of them. All opinions are my own.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Sweepstakes to Celebrate Crayola's 110th Birthday!
Crayola is turning 110 this year and they are having a huge celebration! I cannot believe they have been around for so long but I remember my favorite box of crayola crayons when I was little and as soon as my son was old enough to color I bought him his very own box as well.
"The original eight crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world's only interactive Crayola family attraction." For your chance to get in on the fun and join them on opening day this May you can enter on their facebook page here. "Your family could be the first to experience the fun, along with a three-night, all-expenses paid stay. It's an experience your kids will never forget – and neither will you!"
Sounds like an awesome time. I know my boys would never want to leave. Make sure to enter daily!
Disclosure: This information was provided to me by Crayola.
"The original eight crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world's only interactive Crayola family attraction." For your chance to get in on the fun and join them on opening day this May you can enter on their facebook page here. "Your family could be the first to experience the fun, along with a three-night, all-expenses paid stay. It's an experience your kids will never forget – and neither will you!"
Sounds like an awesome time. I know my boys would never want to leave. Make sure to enter daily!
Disclosure: This information was provided to me by Crayola.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
MommyParty with Ridemakerz
I was given a great opportunity to host a MommyParty courtesy of Ridemakerz. I received the Deluxe Batman sets for the boys to build their custom cars. My son was so excited when the box arrived he asked me to open all the kits for him-not even about to happen. Then he asked Dad, um no Dad not even one lol.
You can see why they were excited. These sets are very cool and besides the obvious, that they are Batman, they come with lots of interchangeable parts to customize your ride. Our party was the next weekend so he didn't have long to wait. The boys really enjoyed putting together their batman cars. I enjoyed seeing how each of them choose to customize it. It was very easy for the boys to put them together and once together they already wanted to change the parts to match their friends cars.
After they all customized their Batmobiles they all had so much fun racing them everywhere. They had fun zooming them around on the hardwood floors and making tunnels out of the couch cushions. The boys played with their cars for a good hour straight crashing them and racing them all over the house!
Make sure you check out the Ridemakerz website here. You can also purchase these sets as well as many others at your local Toys R Us.
Disclosure: MommyParties provided me with Ridemakerz for my party. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
You can see why they were excited. These sets are very cool and besides the obvious, that they are Batman, they come with lots of interchangeable parts to customize your ride. Our party was the next weekend so he didn't have long to wait. The boys really enjoyed putting together their batman cars. I enjoyed seeing how each of them choose to customize it. It was very easy for the boys to put them together and once together they already wanted to change the parts to match their friends cars.
After they all customized their Batmobiles they all had so much fun racing them everywhere. They had fun zooming them around on the hardwood floors and making tunnels out of the couch cushions. The boys played with their cars for a good hour straight crashing them and racing them all over the house!
Make sure you check out the Ridemakerz website here. You can also purchase these sets as well as many others at your local Toys R Us.
Disclosure: MommyParties provided me with Ridemakerz for my party. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Soft Scrub 4 in 1 Toilet Care Review & Giveaway
The bathroom is my least favorite room to clean and I avoid the task at all costs. Especially the toilet. Living in a house full of boys, one of which is just using the big potty for the first time makes it a pretty gross job. I was given the opportunity to try Soft Scrub's new 4-in-1 Toilet Care and was in love with it before I even got it. Who wouldn't love something you just place on the toilet and forget about for an entire month?
It is very easy to use. Just open the package and hook it to the side of your toilet bowl. I have had it there for about a week and it stays in place very well. It has definitely kept the toilet cleaner overall. Normally I have to scrub the orange ring that developes around the edge of the water and in the bottom of the toilet weekly and there has been no sign of it yet so I can tell that it is working at preventing future build-up.
It comes in two scents Alpine Fresh, the one I got, and Sapphire Waters. The scent is a tad strong when first placing it in the bathroom but after a couple of hours it wasn't that overpowering and gave the bathroom a much better scent overall. At a cost of less then $2.00 for a month of freshness and a cleaner toilet I am highly impressed.
Soft Scrub has once again sent me some coupons to share with my readers so you can try it for yourself. Enter in the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a FREE Soft Scrub product coupon!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: The Soft Scrub brand provided me with a sample of Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
It is very easy to use. Just open the package and hook it to the side of your toilet bowl. I have had it there for about a week and it stays in place very well. It has definitely kept the toilet cleaner overall. Normally I have to scrub the orange ring that developes around the edge of the water and in the bottom of the toilet weekly and there has been no sign of it yet so I can tell that it is working at preventing future build-up.
It comes in two scents Alpine Fresh, the one I got, and Sapphire Waters. The scent is a tad strong when first placing it in the bathroom but after a couple of hours it wasn't that overpowering and gave the bathroom a much better scent overall. At a cost of less then $2.00 for a month of freshness and a cleaner toilet I am highly impressed.
Soft Scrub has once again sent me some coupons to share with my readers so you can try it for yourself. Enter in the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a FREE Soft Scrub product coupon!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: The Soft Scrub brand provided me with a sample of Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.
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