Baby: 0-12 months

I didn’t know any better. Every summer, I lathered my fair and super sensitive skin kids up in the highest SPF sunscreens I could find to keep them safe in the sun. Turns out, I may have been doing more harm than good.  Want to protect your family from the sun…

Over the last few weeks, I have shared the importance of making time for and taking care of yourself.  Equally important is making time for we – investing in your marriage and making time for the two of you as a couple is extremely important, and often times even more difficult…

I remember it like it was yesterday. In the hospital after my first was born, they offered a session for newborn care, including how to give baby a bath.  I opted to sleep instead.  I had babysat and nannied for years – what was there to learn?  We came home…

Your baby is 2-3 months old.  Your hormones are all over the place.  You’re averaging 5-6 hours of sleep at night, maybe 2-3 consecutively if you’re lucky. So when you wake up with aches, chills and temperature of 102, you automatically assume your body has lost its battle to some bug.…

With three kids, it is an hourly struggle to be present and attentive to each of them.  Not to mention keeping up with chores, feeding everyone, writing, sleeping… oh, and showering!  That’s important too!  My video baby monitor helps me get closer to doing it all, every day.  I can…

Nothing makes the one you love feel more special than a unique, customized gift. MY M&M’S let’s you do just that!  This Valentine’s Day, I am creating a special gift for my husband from our own little M&Ms, featuring MY M&M’S with silhouettes of the kids and framed portraits to…

Here on the Playground Parkbench, I share everything I would talk about with my fellow parents sitting on the parkbench as our kids play on the playground.  That mostly fits into the broad categories of Parenting and Kids Activities. As my kids have gotten older, where we talk may vary – the…

Have you been following our Nutcracker holiday mini-series? This marks the final post in our Plan the Perfect Nutcracker Party series with activities, decor, and favor ideas, paired with festive food contributions from Eats Amazing.  Today’s Jingle Bell Ribbon Sticks will have your tiny dancer party-goers dancing along like Sugar Plum…

This project took some bravery on my part.  You may have noticed most of our activity posts feature Big M, with Lil’ M along for the ride.  Big M (age 4) is my rule stickler, takes direction well, and since birth, has possessed an incredible attention span.  Lil’ M (age…

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for WaterWipes. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #WaterWipes #IC  I am a self-confessed Type A mom who thrives on routine, organization, and being on time. The…

I never talked about sleep more than when I first had a newborn.  And with my third newborn, nothing has changed.  These tiny little people befuddle us with their sleep: are they sleeping too much? not sleeping enough? sleeping all day, but up all night?  My experiences with my first…

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BeHealthyForEveryPartofLife #CollectiveBias As mom to three kids, age 4 and under, including a 4 week old newborn, my diaper bag is like an appendage to my body.  With my first, I filled it with…

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for WaterWipes. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #WaterWipes #IC #ad With your first baby, all the grandmas, aunts and girlfriends can’t wait to throw…

Confession.  I am not a big believer in birth plans.  There are certain things in life that are not entirely within our control, and childbirth is one of them.  My birth plan generally consists of avoiding induction, patiently waiting 41+ weeks for my baby to decide to make an appearance…

 I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the TB Blood Test. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #TBBloodTest Are you a teacher or do you volunteer in your child’s school?  While regulations and requirements vary by school and state, if…

 I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Bella Gravida. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. Last Friday, I had to go to a wedding… at 38 weeks pregnant.  I can’t tell you how many dresses I tried on from…

With the move to our new, forever house, everyone in the family got exactly what they wanted… The girls got a great new playroom and a yard to play in.  I got the kitchen I’ve always wanted.  And hubby got his man cave.  He has been plotting his man cave…

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for WaterWipes. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. When my youngest was first born, I quickly discovered before we even brought her home from the…

 I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Carter’s. I received a complimentary gift card to facilitate my review and thank me for my participation. One of my favorite things about the first day of school was always choosing the perfect, back-to-school outfit.  And turns out…