Allergies and Lil’ Ones
May 29, 2014Having toddlers that are just learning how to talk makes it difficult to understand when something is wrong; I ran into this very situation this weekend while in Ohio visiting family. One of my twins broke out into hives that looked like large welts. Being in a new environment and around tons of new people Read more (…)
Don’t Eat the Crayon!
May 21, 2014“Don’t eat the crayon!” “That’s HOT! Don’t touch!” “Henry, don’t share all your dinner with the dog!” “Put the iPad DOWN!” “No, you can’t have the knife!” “Stop licking the floor” “Please keep your diaper on!” Welcome to Toddlerville! That pretty much sums up my recent conversations with my 19 month old. I should have Read more (…)
Spring: A Season of Change
April 23, 2014With the changing of the seasons in Chicago comes many new milestones in our lives. Henry has hit the year and a half mark and with that comes many changes to his appearance, personality, physical abilities, and his language skills. He has sprouted like the flowers in the ground and now all his pants look Read more (…)
From Farm to Baby
April 9, 2014I have always considered myself a healthy eater by moderate standards; I never eat fast food, I eat my fruits and vegetables, I buy whole grain pasta etc… However, ever since having my daughter and entering the world of solid foods 2 months ago, it is amazing how quick the tables have turned and I Read more (…)
A Year of Thanks
November 27, 2013There are so many things I am thankful for. Life is pretty good, but I’m especially grateful for all the people in my life who help me be a great mom (it takes a village!). I have a great husband who is present, physically and mentally, in our son’s life. He gives me the breaks I Read more (…)
Our Ultimate LLD Baby Names List!
November 16, 2013We’ve been hard at work at LLD compiling a list of some of our favorite baby names. Don’t see one you like? Feel free to add it to our comments section below! Girls: 1. Avery 2. Madeleine 3. Rosie 4. Olivia 5. Maggie 6. Brooke 7. Scarlett 8. Eva 9. Milly 10. Clementine 11. Hayden Read more (…)
Attack of the Growing Babies
August 7, 2013Being a newbie mommy, I find myself constantly adapting to my babies’ ever-changing ways. This (and the lack of sleep) have been the most challenging part of mommy-hood thus far. I was starting to get used to the girls sleeping a good 6-7 hours a night, now they’re up every 4 hours again frantically searching Read more (…)
Summer Vacation (Post-Baby)
July 31, 2013The two words teachers love the most are “Summer Vacation.” In fact, one of the reasons that I became a teacher was so I could enjoy two months of vacation from work. Every summer for the past 18 years I have gone to Harbor Springs, Michigan and had the best time. I could sleep in Read more (…)
Vacation Crashers
July 29, 2013My husband and I are referring to ourselves as “vacation crashers” as we just left one daughter’s family in Cape Cod and are about to join another in DC. We are accompanying her to the Chesapeake Bay Hilton resort for a business retreat. As teachers we surely never had such an opportunity before. The resort was Read more (…)
Henry Takes Flight
June 19, 2013I’ve heard about it. I’ve seen people do it many times. I feared it to be honest, but the time had come. It was unavoidable. We were taking our first flight with a baby. I quickly sent out an S.O.S. memo to my “Baby Mamas” asking them for any travel tips they had, what to Read more (…)
Junior’s Fresh: Food For Your Baby
May 17, 2013Wondering how you can incorporate seasonal fruits and veggies from local markets into your lil’ ones diet? With Junior’s Fresh, you don’t have to wonder or worry! We asked Michelle Hoffmann, the founder of Junior’s Fresh, a few questions about how it works! What is Junior’s Fresh? Junior’s Fresh is dedicated to providing New York Read more (…)
Young at Heart
May 6, 2013I left some of my loved ones in New Jersey and hooked up with another loved one, daughter #4 in Philadelphia where she lives, for the ride home. So off we went on the yellow brick road (aka 76) to Ohio. She is getting married soon and wanted to work on some wedding necessities for the Read more (…)
Pass The Pickles ‘n’ Ice Cream… STAT!
April 19, 2013Lately I can’t seem to escape a pregnant belly – everywhere I look my friends are getting preggers! Cue wicked ‘n’ weird pregnancy cravings like pickles and ice cream. Cravings are our body’s way of telling us to give it more of something – specific nutrients, water, primary food (TLC). Ever wonder what’s behind cravings? Read more (…)
How to Get Perfect Party Photos
April 12, 2013We know that party planning is hard work, and you want the perfect pictures to remember all the fun. So, we asked Bethany Kruska, owner of Shutter Happy for some of her tips for creating the perfect photos. Whether you do it yourself or get a professional, these tips are sure to work! As a professional photographer, Read more (…)
A New Kind of Job
April 10, 2013As a new mom (or dad) one of the first big choices you have to make is whether or not you’ll be returning to work after your little one is born. For some this choice is easy, but for others you agonize over the “right” decision. In my case it was easy. I could NOT Read more (…)
Diaper Diaries Week 6
April 8, 2013‘Twas the night before Easter and all through our house Every relative was stirring, hopefully not a mouse The baskets were all hidden around with great care In hopes that the Easter bunny would soon be there The children were nestled all snug in their cribs, others on couches and blow-up beds While visions of breakfast and Read more (…)
Get in Shape, Meet Moms, & Fight Cancer!
April 5, 2013If you’re looking to get in shape, meet other moms, and fight cancer, we’ve got the perfect solution! Moms in Training is a combination of fitness and fundraising to support the fight against cancer. We asked Helena Scott, founder of Moms in Training a few questions about the program and how you can get involved! Read more (…)
They Were Right!
April 3, 2013In my first ten weeks as a mother, I have learned that “they” were right. Who’s they? Everyone who ever repeated the following words of wisdom to me. “Once you see your child’s face, you don’t remember the pain of labor.” I heard this one over and over and I thought, no way is this Read more (…)
The Art of Juggling
March 27, 2013Sorry I have been M.I.A. as of late; this is my first blog post-pregnancy and life has been a little hectic! I cannot believe how consumed I am with love for these two little beings that I’ve nicknamed “pumpkin” and “angel.” Now I cannot imagine life without them. I’ve titled this blog “The Art of Juggling” Read more (…)
Baby Milestones
March 6, 2013Our little boy is 4 months old already! It is amazing how fast time is going. Everyone told us that the first six weeks were the most exhausting, and in some ways they are, but they are nothing compared to what we’re experiencing now! Our Henry was a great sleeper from the start. He would Read more (…)
Best Baby Shower Themes
March 1, 2013The past few months my mind has been focused on my new nieces! Now that they’re here, I’m spending every spare minute with them, but before they were born I had so much fun throwing showers for my sister and helping her prepare for their arrival. For one of my sister’s showers in Ohio, my Read more (…)
She’s Here!
February 27, 2013For months, I’ve been sharing my pregnancy journey with you….today I am happy to tell you that five weeks ago I had a perfect, gorgeous, amazing baby girl!!! Of course, that’s my completely objective opinion. Right now I’m on maternity leave and enjoying every minute! I don’t care that I usually don’t shower until noon Read more (…)
Priorities
February 20, 2013I have heard many of my friends tell me they are a mom first, wife second. And now that I am a mom, I completely understand that you always have to put your child first…his or her needs always take priority. But I sometimes feel that at the end of a long day, I don’t Read more (…)
Mommy Dating?
February 12, 2013Being a happily married woman, I didn’t think I’d ever have to start dating again. However, when I found out I was expecting, I knew that I had to get out there and start “dating” more expectant moms or I’d spend a lot of time on my own while my husband went to work. It Read more (…)
New Year, Fresh Starts
January 8, 2013Instead of setting a resolution that I will ultimately fail at, I’m focusing my efforts on new beginnings for Henry. He will be three months old at the end of the month and I have read and heard that by that age it is time to start sleep training your baby to sleep in their Read more (…)
New Year, New Baby!
January 1, 2013Happy New Year!! Like no other year before, my life is about to change in 2013 in ways I can’t even imagine…this month I am having a baby!! How does one prepare for that? Seriously. I was a baby, I have two younger sisters, heck I babysat as a kid in New Mexico but that’s Read more (…)