Letting Go: My Kid Plays Down The Street

We live in a family-friendly neighborhood.

There are loads of cul-de-sacs and kids roaming freely.

Maybe way too freely, but we've decided that it's time to let our daughter roam a bit.

She's eight. Her birthday was in February, so she's not a "new" eight. But still. She's eight.

Is that too young?

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The Laurie Berkner Band Visits the Triangle!

* The Laurie Berkner Band has sponsored this giveaway to enable me to invite one of my readers to attend this event in Raleigh, NC on February 28th. Full disclaimer is posted below. *

If you're a parent anywhere you have to know who Laurie Berkner is.

And if you don't? I'm going to introduce you right now. Watch.

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So much.

She lays next to me. Fidgeting. Unable to settle into the call of sleep.

I lay still beside her.

Reflecting on the day.

The pressure behind my right eye is immense.

Unsure of whether or not it's an actual impending headache or a ball of tears, I pretend I don't feel it.

My patience wears thin as she finds yet another need-to-do moment before shutting her eyes.

Tonight she became a Brownie.

A huge step for my little Daisy girl who has grown so over the last three years.

Huge.

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Kidz ZonePerfect Review and Giveaway!

* The products in this post for review and giveaway were provided to me directly from ZonePerfect. All opinions expressed in this post are completely my own (and my daughter's!). * 

Do you know about ZonePerfect?

I worked with them a few summers ago and did a review and giveaway of their Perfectly Simple bars. I have the pleasure of working with them again and am so excited to update you on their latest products!

If your child is anything like mine you'll totally understand when I tell you how she loves to steal my snack bars. I mean, seriously. Almost any flavor is up for grabs, and I have definitely caved and handed them over - as I figure they're a better snack for her than a lot of other junk she could ask for.

But ZonePerfect has an answer for me that's even better. Kidz ZonePerfect bars.

Yep. You read it right. These.

I tried them back in September when I was at Type-A Parent Conference and I have to admit, I kind of liked them. A lot.

They come in three delicious flavors that your child (and you - if you're interested) will love!

Caramel Crunch - my personal favorite
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip - my daughter's favorite
Yellow Cupcake - this was such a hit at the conference that they were all gone when I got to the booth!

I received one box of each flavor for review, so of course I had to try each kind. I still stand by my choice of the Caramel Crunch as my fave. It tastes like a yummy Rice Krispies' bar with loads of delicious flavor. My daughter preferred the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor, probably because, well, it's chocolate chips and peanut butter, right? She also liked the Yellow Cupcake one and called it the birthday cake bar. It's got that birthday confetti look to it on the packaging.

I love that these Kidz bars have 5 grams of protein in them, so they're going to fill those little bellies with something that will hold them over until dinner. I also love that they're the perfect size for little hands.

If you're not sure where to find ZonePerfect bars near you, you can head over to their website and check out their store locator for information. Or you can enter my giveaway and win one of these adorable Kidz ZonePerfect On-The-Go Kits! Just check out the Rafflecopter below for details on how to enter and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Parenting is hard, yo.

Parenting is hard, yo.

Sometimes you find yourself bending over backwards to entertain, to keep them busy, to bring the fun and joy into it all.

And some days they listen. And do. And say 'Mommy, I love you,' from the back of the car and you smile and feel blessed. 

And some nights they cry out for you, and they have a fever and you worry and they need you and so you stay. 

All night. Sleeping or not, by their side. 

Glasses on. Pillows missing. An instant crick in your neck.

Choppy night but you wouldn't be anywhere else. 

And then they are better. Thank goodness.

And you take them to see the fireworks because they really want to go. They've been waiting for days. Weeks, even.

And the next day you go to the movies. And the baseball game. And eat popcorn and cotton candy and custard.

All the things you probably shouldn't give in on but you do.

And the day after that you make plans. And she shows she doesn't know how to listen. And you're done. 

And it sucks. 

So very much.

Because it's a really long weekend and you have plans. You want to go out on the water, take her fishing and ride the waves. You want to do all these things and more. 

But you're spent. You're exhausted. You're tired and you don't understand why she switches from on to off and off to on and never gives you warning. Or maybe you just missed it. The warning. There has to be one, right?

Because she's six. And you say that you expect this, and yet you expect more from a six-year-old, and yet you don't, right? I mean, what should you expect?

Sigh.

And you find yourself near tears because you just don't know. 

And then you feel guilty because you wonder if this is your fault.

Because she is only six, after all. 

And so you question whether you were too quick to react. Too overloaded. Maybe it was your husband. Maybe it was you. Maybe it was the two of you combined. 

Maybe it really was her. 

And so you come home, and you wait. You issue her instructions. Directions. Hopes she can follow and you can still have your plans later today. 

Because it sucks when you have to reprimand your kid and then you lose out, too. 

You're home and you're reading or writing when you'd rather be out on the water yourselves. 

But you can't. 

And so there you are. 

Grumbling. Stressing. Thinking. Holding back tears and making sure they don't fall. 

You don't need to be crying. You're okay. You will be fine. 

You all will. The three of you.

It just takes time. 

There will be bumps and bruises and bumbles along the way. 

But you'll expect them now. And even if you don't, you'll get through them. Past them. Over them. 

Parenting's hard, yo. 

But you can do it. 

And you will. 

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Why can't I ever come up with a good blog post title?

I still hate it.

It's like the start of the year all over again.

Homework.

She is sitting at the table and writing like she never picked up a pencil before in her life.

I don't sit with her anymore. I learned that early on, but tonight? This time? I had to try to explain it to her, have her write the words and so forth and tell her the assignment. And so I watched her and I started sweating.

For G-dssake, child, don't hold the pencil like that.

Not like that, either.

Why are you doing this?

Why won't you write like a big girl?

She wraps her pencil in paper towel.

What?

Sit down, please.

Stop jumping rope.

It's 80-something degrees in here, we don't have the air on yet, and you're sweating like crazy.

SIT DOWN, PLEASE.

Most of this I did not say. Except the first few sentences. About the pencil.

I finally gave her some instruction and walked away.

It's not easy at this time of the year. I get it. It's hot and she just wants to sit down, snack, watch TV. Me, too. I'm human, I know.

She's been doing incredibly well lately, too. I don't feel broken anymore. 

I've stopped overreacting. 

For the most part, anyway.

It's been a good year, this first year apart.

It was rough going early on. Not for her, necessarily. She loved it. But for me. It wasn't easy.

I did learn not to miss her so much.

I also stopped making her the cutest lunches of all time.  You guys knew I would. It was exhausting. I mean, it was cute and all. And she liked them. But she likes any kind of lunch I give her, so we're good.

For the most part we didn't have too many what I learned in Kindergarten moments.

Although she did apparently teach my husband that the "b-word" is not a nice thing to say. Awesome.

And she told me how a tornado is formed. Yup.

Riiiight.

I'll be the first to admit that science and I do not get along. So I'm glad she's got her daddy's brain when it comes to that sort of thing.

And I'm glad she had such a positive year.

And I'm also glad I have her scheduled for at least one week of camp this summer.

FOR NOW.

Because ... seriously?

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to chill some wine. A LOT of wine.

But hey, it's almost always 5 o'clock somewhere, right?

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Water ...

I stepped in.

Sunk down into the blue embrace.

My skin shivered as the temperature dropped beneath the surface.

It was cold, but I had to do it.

I've never been one to flinch from such cold.

Especially now.

My daughter - - merely four - - splashing away.

Loving every moment.

My feet make their way. Not timid.

My toes ... always the big ones ... scuffed by the bottom.

Small splits. Skin raw. Rarely touched.

What is it about a pool in the summertime?

The smell of chlorine that lingers.

Wafts up and clings to your skin.

Stays in your hair.

My daughter holds her nose. Dunks her head beneath the surface.

By week's end she'll be jumping off the edge on her own.

Dropping down below.

Into that crystal blue embrace.

Safely.

Arching her tiny body a bit.

Sometimes not holding her nose at all.

My butt touched the bottom, Mommy!

A laugh. A smile. A crinkle of her eyes.

So much changes over time. And yet so little does.

Her mother learned to float in a Florida pool.

A man named Bert. Her Nana's friend? A neighbor.

And here she is. Watching her daughter.

Observing the older cousins.

9. 7. and 6.

Learning. Watching. Taking it all in.

They spend their last night there. Splashing. Jumping.

Breaking that surface.

Who are you, the mother asks. Where is my daughter?

Here, the reply. I'm here.

Watch me jump!
And so I do.

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The Knot Genie ~ Product Review

I'm not one who tends to jump on a product review opportunity. It takes something that really catches my eye. Or something that I've heard of before. Or something - let's be honest here - that I really really want.

So when I saw the opportunity to receive the following product I will admit that it took me about two seconds to reach out and say, yes please. My daughter's hair is FINALLY growing. And if any of you recall my twitter explosion last summer, after she cut her own hair on one side, you'll know that I am thrilled it is growing the way it is.

That out of the way, there are days that she wakes up and has her own mini rats' nest on her head. Poor thing. We've tried the wide tooth combs that I know and love. And they work for nothing. We've tried skinny combs, and they're not good - not good at all.

Visiting my mom recently she showed me that a brush would be better. But I hate to use brushes on my kiddo, as they tear the hair out so quickly and what she has is so baby fine that it tears to shreds and ends up causing more knots. But I do it anyway. Or at least, I did.

And now, enter our lives, the Knot Genie.


Ta dah! The Knot Genie is my new best friend. My daughter is fascinated with it, as it really is so cute and easy to hold, and then, the amazing thing? No pain! No horrible and awful knots being pulled and tugged at to the point that my beautiful 4-year-old is about to lunge at me and grab the brush out of my hands (it's been close to being done, I'm sure).

And it makes her hair look longer when I brush it out. And healthier, as it's not being torn to shreds. And guess what? It works for me, too!

Right now the Knot Genie is running a really cool contest on Facebook where you can not only win your own Knot Genie (free for the first fifty entries!), but you can also win a $500 savings bond to add to your college education savings for your little one. Just click here to find out more on how to enter.

I highly recommend this product. If you can't tell, it has changed our lives in the short time that I've had it. It works on dry hair, wet hair. Tangles to no end hair. No more "Ows" ... seriously. Not a one! And today my kiddo has her hair in smooth and simple pigtails that I didn't have to use my fingers to separate and create. See?


Well done, Knot Genie. Well done!

** I received my very own Knot Genie for use and review and all opinions expressed here are truly based on my experience with this product. My daughter's hair is truly benefiting from this. I have not yet been but am to be compensated via Paypal for posting and sharing my thoughts and experience with this product. All opinions shared here are strictly my own.**

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Mother's Day Weekend ~ 2011

It's been a while since I got personal, I mean, I'm pretty personal here every day with you readers, but I haven't done an update, a family post and what better time to do that than after Mother's Day weekend, right?

On Friday the kiddo and I went strawberry picking with my mother-in-law. Here are a few shots from that fun experience:


And what's bizarre is that the child actually picked the same dress she wore last year to go pick strawberries. I have a feeling it isn't going to fit her for much longer, though. She's getting crazy tall.

We went out to dinner on Friday (I still have leftovers - yum!) and Saturday was kind of mellow. But then on Saturday night the husband and I got out for our first "date" since last April. And we decided to go enjoy a movie. We went to see Fast Five. Ah, hotness.


I couldn't find one of Paul Walker by himself, or close enough up from the movie (thanks Swagbucks and Photobucket for these pics) so I had to go old school:


I'm sure you forgive me ...

Anyway, yesterday we took the ILs and the kiddo swimming, and then grabbed a late lunch for Mom's Day. We spent the rest of the day at home, hanging out, and hubby determined that the kiddo has a killer swing and is a natural athlete. Seriously. He pitched and she actually HIT the ball. Amazing! Pics of that to come another day. Maybe even a video if I can get them on the site clearly enough.

So, that's that. Hope you all enjoyed your weekends. Whether you're a mom or you have one, Mother's Day is a special day (Hallmark Holiday or not!) to remind the women in your lives how special they are to all of you!

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Capturing the Moments: Part I

It's really difficult to take pictures of a moving subject. Have you ever thought of that? I would say that I'm a pretty good photographer. Not a professional, by any means, and not even someone who would classify it as a hobby. But when it comes to taking pictures of my child, well, it's nearly impossible to feel even the least bit talented or remotely qualified.

My daughter is three. She's always on the go. I seem to be trying to get some fun pictures of her all the time, and, well, they don't turn out as well as I hope they will. Thank goodness for digital cameras, right?

What did I expect to happen? Well, I expected that the child who used to stand still and say cheese might resurface. She sometimes does, but not always. And I thought that maybe, just maybe, she'd ham it up a bit and pose for me. And then I could turn around and say, 'See? I've still got it!' Alas, not happening.

So I suppose I'll just resort to hiring professional photographers, who may have a better chance at tiring her out and getting her to just freeze for that one moment. That one second that brings so much more to a memory than the mind.

It helps you reflect when the mind questions. It helps you remember exactly what was worn, and where you were. And sometimes, if the color is just right you may even feel you can smell the flowers that surround you.

Maybe someday I'll be able to capture that in my child again. Maybe. Maybe not. But either way, I'll know it's in there. Somewhere. And in the meantime, here's one of my favorite action shots (I'll admit I enhanced the color a little bit. Picnik is a wonderful website!) of her from over the summer. Her hair is all wild and crazy after hitting that wacky scrunchy ball with her head. I love it!

And stay tuned to my blog as later this week I'll offer you a chance at winning a way to share the moments you've captured with those you love ...

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Wacky Wordless Wednesday!

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This Year's Bash

A big thanks (again!) to Sarah Null for her incredible pictures of my little one at this year's birthday bash for TriangleMommies!

I posted her pic from last year's bash here!

And here's a link to her website if you're a Triangle NC peep, or if you have peeps in the Triangle area: Sarah Null Photography

Just take a look at these candid shots and you'll see why I couldn't wait for Wordless Wednesday to share them with you all!




Especially the first one ... I love it so much it almost makes me cry when I look at it.

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Flashback Friday

Tomorrow is the Annual Birthday Bash party for TriangleMommies, the mommies' group I have belonged to since I was pregnant with my little one.

I thought I'd take this time to do a flashback to 2008's Birthday Bash:

And then a shot from last year's party, as well - much better shot, taken by Sarah Null Photography:


And so I'll have to post again tomorrow evening with an updated picture from THIS YEAR. My gosh, my child has grown so much, it's crazy!!

Hope you all have a fun Saturday! Smooches!

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Birthday Party

Today.

3rd Birthday.

3 boys, 2 girls and my daughter.

My parents, my hubby and me.

5 moms, 4 dads and 24 cupcakes. And one absolutely yummy cake.

Pics of cake to come. [Adding now!]


SO tired. My feet hurt. It was her very first birthday party, in our home, and lots of fun. We should actually ALL be asleep, but for now just she is.

Sweet dreams, my little sweetie-pie, my lil cupcake, my pretty girl. I'm so proud to be your Mama. So proud of how well behaved you were today, how you shared everything w. your friends, and listened to the grown-ups when we talked to you. I'm so proud to watch you grow. It's quite amazing. And on that note, I say good night.

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Wordless Wednesday!

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Wordless Wednesday!

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Big Girl Bed

We bought a toddler bed for my daughter today. Spent the evening rearranging her furniture, reorganizing her room, and setting things up just right. Her crib is still in there, and hubby had taken the side off of it, but she was leaving the room, so I told him we had to put it back on, because maybe she was not ready. He is in there with her now, and has been for a little while, so we'll see what happens. I have a feeling I'll be summoned soon, but I am more than happy to let him take this one.

I know she is going to test me, and I know I'M not ready, but someone was selling their bed, mattress, sheet set, mattress cover, and waterproof cover, along with some extra sheets, for a steal of a deal. So we bought it, brought it home, and tah dah! Big girl bed.

Wish us luck, though. 'Cause there is no way in heck I can imagine this child actually making it through the entire night in this bed tonight. Especially since last night she would have been up at 4, but I ignored her (yes, I did, and I'm proud) until she fell back and then she woke up after 5 and proceeded to scream for me til I caved. I went in, soothed her a bit and dropped her back in that crib so she could fall back to sleep. Now if this happens tonight there is no way I'm going to pop her back into the bed so she can easily escape. But, man, I'm so not ready for this!

Any tips of the trade from more experienced moms and dads out there? Fill me in!

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Eats like a teenager already?

What is the deal? How is it that my 2-1/2 year old eats like a teenager at this young age? I mean, I swear that I feed her. I really, really do.
And yet she can make her way through a box of frozen pancakes (large or minis) in under a week, she can shovel it in like nobody's business, and she needs every snack under the sun, all in 24 hours. Amazing.

So, when does it slow down? Because I can't go through groceries like this. Even with my master couponing skills, I'm still falling behind. Help!

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