September favorites

Another month has gone by (very quickly) and since tomorrow is my birthday, I decided to post my September favorites today!

Mommy & baby favorites for September.

Heartbeat necklace - I got this necklace from one of those discount sites (either Zulily or Plum district, I cant remember which one). Obviously I thought it was perfect since I have a  little heart baby toddler. I wear it all the time and I love it, the heart on the side is my favorite part. When Liv is older, I plan on getting one for her too.

Vtech Safe & Sound video & audio monitor - The video monitor we had previously ended up breaking after 5 or 6 months and I hated not having one. Olivia gets her legs stuck in the crib slats sometimes so it makes me feel so much better being able to see her on the monitor. Also, the paranoid heart mommy in me always wants to make sure she is breathing okay. I didn't think video monitors were really necessary at first but now I don't want to be without one, I love it! I like this one better than our last one because the screen is portable. There's also a zoom feature and it doesn't pick up much background noise. We can press a button and talk to Liv through the monitor but I haven't tried that yet because I think she will want me to get her out of the crib if she hears my voice. This was one of the less pricey monitors but I'm happy with it.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3: Kids edition - Okay, I just got this and I already have a love/hate relationship with it. I can't really use it for what I intended. I was hoping it would be sort of like a mini laptop that I could use for email and blogging but it's very difficult to type on (even with a Bluetooth keyboard). It's also pretty small, I wish I picked one with a bigger screen. On the other hand, it's potentially a great tablet for Liv. It's kid friendly, actually it's a kids tablet. In parent mode it can do everything a normal tablet can, I figured it would be perfect to share with her. It says for ages 3 and up but she plays games on my phone so I'm sure she will be able to figure it out. I've been playing around with it and there seems to be some cute apps for kids, I'm still not 100% sold though. I don't know if I should keep this or return it and just get a laptop. I'm very indecisive when it comes to big purchases, I'm going to let Liv play with it and then I'll decide.
*My decision: Retractment of a favorite.

Booboo buddies stuffed animal - Booboo buddies is such a great idea! They take gently used stuffed animals that have been donated and they stitch on a zipper (wherever your childs scar is). Olivia's is on the side of course (from her thoracotomy heart surgery). They also stitch on a cute little heart with a bandage over it. All children with heart defects get a Booboo buddy for free (you just have to pay for the shipping). I got this for Liv's heart surgery anniversary (February 27th) so I will be giving it to her then, I'm sure she will love it. If you want to find out more about Booboo buddies, they have a Facebook page you can check out.

Toddler mood swings

On Tuesday, we took Olivia to the park and she loved the swings and the slide. It's funny because the last time we took her, she wanted me to take her out of the swing immediately, she hated it. This time she didn't want to leave! They also had some animals there, she wanted to pet the chickens but they weren't too happy about that. She put her hand through the cage and one of them pecked at her and got her finger, she looked at me with a very surprised look on her face. There was also a horse and he was a little bit nicer, he let her pet his head and she was so happy. Today was my cousin's engagement party, Olivia took a really short nap so when we got there she was in a terrible mood. She didn't want to eat, she didn't want me to hold her but when I put her down she was running around like a crazy person. She was picking up rocks and throwing them, yelling and crying randomly (for no reason). She's either in a great mood or a horrible one and today was not a good day. Her mood swings have been pretty bad lately. Anyway, Paul bought her a little toy shopping cart, Rooney has been sleeping in it and it's pretty hilarious. I'm only mentioning that because I have a picture of it and I didn't want to just put it in this post randomly. I guess it's still pretty random, oh well. I bought a tablet today and I was hoping it would be easier to blog with since I'm using the tap to speak feature but it's actually harder. My computer isn't going to last much longer, I've had it for a long time it's very slow. I may just have to buy an actual laptop because the tablet is so annoying to type on or maybe I could buy a keyboard for the tablet. I'm on the fence about it, I guess I'll give it a chance for a few more days and see how I feel. If anyone has some tablet tips, please let me know.

All the silliness from the last few days. 

Yelling at a goat, swinging on the swings, playing with rocks, mashed potato beard, lifting heavy boxes and a very sleep kitty.

Fall tag

It's officially fall! This summer seriously flew by, it's pretty crazy. I'll miss the summer but I'm excited that it's fall now, it was such a beautiful day today (I love it). So in honor of the fall, I decided to do a tag.

1. Favorite fall lip product? Anything that's moisturizing. For me, Vaseline works the best.

2. Favorite fall nail polish? I like darker colors in the fall, right now I'm into a dark gray/silver color. 

3. Favorite Starbucks fall drink? I only really like coffee fraps from Starbucks but I do love me some hot chocolate when it's cold out. 

4. Favorite fall candle? Jack o'lantern! I absolutely love that smell!

5. Favorite fall accessory? Scarves! Oh and gloves but those are necessary because I'm always so cold. 

6. Haunted house or haunted hay ride? Neither! I hate getting scared.

7. Favorite Halloween movie? Like I said, I'm not into getting scared but I guess Halloween since it's a classic.

8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween? Kit-Kats! I have to wait till the day before Halloween to buy candy or I'll eat it all and have none left for the trick or treaters.

9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween? I don't think I'm dressing up this year but Liv is, I haven't decided on her costume yet. 

10. What is your Favorite thing about fall? I can't pick just one, I have lots of favorites! The weather, Pumpkin picking, Halloween!

The Big E!

On Saturday we took Liv to the Big E, there was some crazy traffic on the way there but luckily Paul knew some back roads (he used to live in that area) so we avoided most of it. Olivia had a blast! Her favorite part was seeing the animals (obviously). She went wild when she saw them, she was screaming "cat cat cat". I've been trying to teach her some new animal names but she likes calling everything a cat still. She even touched the horses head but then quickly pulled her hand away, she got scared but then she was trying to touch him again. She went on her first rides too, the merry go round and a little bumble bee ride. I was pretty impressed that she wasn't scared, she absolutely loved the merry go round (the first time), she was screaming in excitement and had a huge smile on her face. She was really impatient before the ride started though, once it started then she was happy. The second time on the merry go round it was the end of the night and she was exhausted. She didn't want to stay on the horse, she just wanted me to hold her. We also had a caricature drawn of her and it's absolutely hilarious! The first time me and Paul ever went to the Big E, we had one drawn of us so I had to get one of Liv, I think they are so funny. She did not enjoy staying still to be drawn but he was able to get it done pretty quick. We ate some delicious unhealthy food, walked around (forever, my feet are killing me) and had a lot of fun. We stayed until it was dark and Liv fell asleep on the way home (and so did I), it was a really long day. It was super crowded so we already decided that next year we will go during the week. Either way, it was a good time! When we got home, my mom watched Olivia so Paul and I could go out for a drink. It's rare that we get to spend any time alone so that was nice. Yesterday we just hung out around the house in the morning and then I worked the rest of the day. I'm working again tonight but I have tomorrow off, unfortunately I have a lot of errands to do so I'll be dragging Liv along with me, fun!

 

  

 

 Our cartoon family, how funny are these?! So accurate too!

(The one of me and Paul is from 2009)

Quick doctor visit

Today was a long day. Olivia was fine all morning but when she woke up from her nap, she had a coughing fit. After that, she was breathing kind of fast. I brought her to the doctor and everything looked okay, no ear infection and her lungs sounded clear. I may just be paranoid but even the doctor told me that it's always better to check. He also said it's just rhinovirus (a cold) and since I was sick, she most likely caught it from me (sorry Liv). I didn't want to work tonight because I wanted to be home to take care of Livy but she was fine. It was super busy at work and I was going a little crazy for a while but I was able to leave fairly early. Tomorrow we are going to the Big E (if Liv seems better) so I'm excited for that, I can't wait to eat some terrible delicious food! The last few days I've only gotten around 3 hours of sleep per night so I'm off to bed now.

Citrus Lane review - September 2014

Olivia's Citrus Lane box came a few days ago but I've been sick and so has Liv, of course she is my first priority but now I have some time since she is napping. Citrus Lane is a monthly subscription box for babies/toddlers. You pay a certain price per month depending on how long you want to subscribe (it’s cheaper for the longer subscriptions). Every month you receive four to five items for your child and sometimes something for you as well. The boxes are age and gender appropriate (or you can pick gender neutral). This box is for a 19 month old girl.

Everything Olivia got in her September Citrus Lane box.

Tea Collection bodysuit:

I really love this, it looks like a shirt but it's attached to a bodysuit. The pattern is adorable and I can't wait to try it on Livy. I knew we were getting this because I got to pick which size we wanted, I just didn't know what the pattern or color would be. I chose size 18-24 months, it may be a little big right now (she's wearing 12 month clothes) but I figured by the winter, it will be perfect! Even if it's still a little big, that's better than being too small. It seems like it's very good quality so I'm sure it will last a long time. I know it will be adorable on her, I'll have to take some pictures of her in it and post them soon. Retails for: $26.50 (wow!)

Boon links 3D foam bath pieces: We already have these. Well, we actually have the foam bath appliques but they are very similar, the only difference is that they are not 3D. I got them as an add on a while ago, now I wish that I had just waited. I know that's not Citrus Lanes fault but it's a bit of a bummer. Olivia loves playing with these in the bath so they will make a good gift for someone, I'm just not sure who yet. I may just end up just putting them up for sale or trade. Retails for: $11.99

 

Mrs. Meyers clean day dish soap:
This is a repeat. I like this dish soap, it smells so good but I still have some from last time they sent it (April). It's a little frustrating to get the same item twice, it's even the same exact scent (lemon verbena). I wasn't excited to get this, I'll use it but dish soap just isn't fun. Retails for: $2.99  

 

Happy Tot fruit and veggie blend:
Yawn. Yet another food pouch, I'm really over getting snacks. We have so many snacks for Liv and she isn't really a big fan of pouches. I'll still give it to her though, I don't want to waste it. I wouldn't be sad if they stopped sending snacks or at least these food pouches. Retails for: $1.39

 

 

Add ons:

I had to get these cute little puppet Halloween books as our add ons this month. They were practically free with coupon codes and credits. I think these will be the perfect little gifts for Liv on Halloween, I'm sure she will love them! I can't wait to read them to her before bed on Halloween and after of course.

 

We also got some coupons and a code for a free box but I wont be using it, so if you're interested in that just let me know and I will give it to the first person who asks. This months box was just okay for me, not the worst box we have gotten but not the best either. The total value of this box is about $42. Since the bodysuit was so expensive, I think the rest of the box was lacking but the value is definitely there. I bought the six month subscription and with coupons, I paid about $15 per month so it's worth it to me. If you're interested in getting a Citrus Lane subscription for your child, you can use my referral link to get 50% off your first box - Melissa's CL referral. It's a subscription so make sure you cancel after your receive your box or you will be charged again.

No time to rest

So I've been sick since Thursday and it just keeps lingering, I really don't feel any better yet. When I get a cold, it usually only lasts for two days but I haven't had a chance to rest so it's taking longer for me to get better. Between working and chasing after Liv, things have been hectic. I feel so terrible that I got her sick but she seemed much better today than she was yesterday, I'm glad she got over it fast. I was worried that maybe we caught the virus (Enterovirus D68) that's been going around (I know, I'm paranoid) but we haven't had any respiratory symptoms so I'm pretty sure its just a cold. We were supposed to go to the Big E over the weekend but I wasn't feeling up to it, hopefully I'll feel better by this weekend so we can go. I'm so happy that I have tomorrow off because I need to relax, hopefully Olivia will let me (ha). On a good note, she slept awesome last night! It was the first time in almost three weeks that she actually slept through the night. I think it may have been because she wasn't feeling well and needed the sleep but I'm hoping she will keep it up!