Bonding With My Youngest And the Importance of Premium Care Diapers

This post is sponsored SheSpeaks/Pampers Premium, but all opinions and experiences are my own. #MothersPromise

Elliott is my little bud.

Since it is summer there has been a whole lot of activity (chaos!) around the house with the older siblings home during the day. Usually, it is just Elliott and me.

I gotta say, I may be biased, but my youngest child is a hoot! He is funny, caring, creative and clever. He can turn anything into a toy and never runs out of things to do during the day. Of course, he loves when Mommy can sit down to play with him.

Now that Elliott is a toddler his favorite word is, "No!". When we ask if he needs his pants changed, he yells, "No!" and races off down the hall. It has become one of his favorite games to avoid diaper changes.

My youngest has very sensitive skin and easily breaks out into a rash or chafes if things rub in the wrong places. So I can understand why sometimes he decides to run. But, Walmart has a new option from Pampers that is even more gentle on his skin and makes getting a clean diaper much more pleasant.

Did you notice the Pampers Premium Care Diapers  debut on Walmart shelves this past week?

Diapers are definitely not created equal and these new diapers have:

• Absorb Away Liners: To pull wetness and mess away from baby’s skin
• Breathable Materials: To keep air circulating around baby’s skin
• Extra Absorb Channels: Help to distribute wetness evenly for up to 12 hours of protection - Hypoallergenic - Wetness Indicator: Lets you know when your baby might need a change

Elliott and I put the size 4 Pampers Premium Care Diapers to the test and we both loved how soft they are!

Easy to use, to secure and for him to wear, they did a great job of keeping him dry throughout the day and night. And with the same wetness indicator found on the front (the yellow line will turn blue as it absorbs wetness) I love with Pampers, it is easy to know when my evasive toddler is ready for a new diaper.

It is always easier to bond over Play-Doh or construction trucks when my son is dry and happy.

Whether worn on their own, or under his clothes, these diapers gave him the freedom to run, climb, crawl and play. I love the leg gussets on Pampers diapers. They give me piece of mind throughout the day that we will be accident-free.

I was also sent a fun #MothersPromise kit with a diaper clutch, memory book, promise card and a sturdy box for special keepsakes. I had so many hopes and dreams for each of my children while I carried them to term, and then as they started to grow and develop into individuals. This kit is a great way to keep track of all those hopes, dreams and promises I have for my baby.

I made the promise to each of my children on those late nights nursing that I would support them to be whomever they wanted to be in life. I still stand behind that promise to love them unconditionally.

What promises did you make to your baby?

Pampers #MothersPromise Instagram Giveaway!

Because we all make promises when we bring home our tiny, fragile baby from the hospital, now you can share those promises for a chance to win! There are great prizes like Walmart gift cards and Pampers Premium Care Diapers to be won.

Just head over to SheSpeaks  to enter and information on what you could win by tagging #MothersPromise on an Instagram photo of your baby!  bit.ly/je68mH 

So, what promises did you make to your baby?

Baby Shower Gift Basket with Disney Baby

 This Disney Baby shop at Walmart has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MagicBabyMoments #CollectiveBias

Babies. Is there anything more fun to shop for than a new arrival? I created this "Minnie-rific" Baby Shower Gift Basket complete with a DIY Minnie Basket with an expectant friend in mind. Her family will be welcoming their third child this Summer.

When I was pregnant for the first time we met several friends all due in the same 2-week span. We had get-togethers while still very pregnant, and then after our children were born we continued to have "baby parties" where we could share our best "First-time parent" moments and stories. You know, all the shocking things that come with a newborn in the family. We laughed and bonded over diaper blow-outs and sleepless nights.

And then our kids started to grow up. We no longer have our monthly "baby parties", but we still all enjoy getting together and watching our almost 8-year-old children play together.

Transitioning from one child to two was hard, but I think adding a third, especially with older siblings, is a lot of fun. I can't wait to meet our friends' new baby. Their other girls are delightful and I know this child will bring their family so much joy.

Now the joke has been that with two girls already, they will probably have a third. They don't want to know until the baby is born, but I just couldn't help myself from starting to work on their  Baby Shower gift. Now that I am done having my own babies, I enjoy an excuse to shop for baby items for friends or family.

While shopping at Walmart, I was inspired to create a Minnie Mouse themed Gift Basket after looking at all the adorable Disney Baby Products in the baby section. Aren't they adorable?

My favorite part of having a newborn was all the snuggling and bonding that happens around bath and bedtimes. So, when I saw the wide selection of personal care products, bedding and blankets in the Disney Baby line, I grabbed everything I could find with Minnie Mouse on it.

When making the perfect gift basket, for a baby shower, or other event, it is important to find the perfect basket or container. In this case, the flannel blankets I purchased from Walmart inspired me to create my own easy and customized container to hold all the bed and bath time products.

DIY Minnie-Inspired Basket

You will Need:

• 1 large diaper box
• box cutters
• sisal rope to wrap around the bottom 2/3 of the box
• fabric scissors
• Disney Baby pink polka dot flannel blanket
• hot glue

Start by cutting the flaps off your box.

Start at the bottom of the box, at one corner. Hot glue the rope around the sides of the box. Keep gluing the rope down as you wrap it around the box, Take care to push the rope tightly together and continue till you are about halfway up the box.

Cut the flannel sheet in half lengthwise, and then in half again to have 4 long strips. Glue the finished edge inside the box, since this side will show. Glue 2 strips down on the longest sides of the box. Then cut one of the strips in half and cover the ends as needed.

Don't worry. I continued to glue my rope around the box and cover the bottom edge of the fabric, so any rough edges were not visible in the finished box.

Keep gluing and wrapping until the edges of the fabric are covered.

That left me with one strip of hot pink fabric left.  I cut a 2" strip and glued the edges over. This will be the center of my bow.

Then I folded and glued the edges of my long strip. Fold in the center and add a dot of hot glue. Then wrap the thinner piece around the middle and glue the edge down in back to secure it. This is the knot in the center of the bow. Trim off any excess.

Then I took my bow and hot glued it to the front of the box for decoration. What do you think? Isn't this DIY basket cute?

Since I was thinking bath and bedtime, I also included some baby wash and 2 pink towels. I created mouse ears out of the washcloths by folding the towels and securing them with clear rubber bands and white ribbon.

And, what all did I include in my Baby Shower Gift Basket?

• Disney Baby Bedding Sweet Minnie Mouse Flannel Blanket, 4-Pack
• Disney Baby Bedding Minnie Mouse Blanket with Beanie
• Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Nail Care Set
• 2 pink washcloths
• baby shampoo/body wash
• Disney Baby Bedding Sweet Minnie Mouse Set of 2 Crib Sheets
• Disney Baby Bedding Minnie Mouse Pillow Buddie

I am hoping this gift basket will help the girls and the expectant parents enjoy those precious first memories together even more. I know those two big sisters can't wait to help out and I think these Disney Baby products will make that even more fun.

I hope you enjoyed my gift basket. I can't wait to meet this new little baby now. What would you put in the perfect Disney Baby gift basket for a baby in your life?

Moving In Style with our Twist Smart from Zooper

I received this Zooper Twist Smart Stroller from Zooper in exchange for my honest review. All experiences and opinions are my own. 

After Christmas shopping is a family tradition for us. December 26th also happens to be my husband's birthday, so we hit the after holiday clearance sales in the city and end our day with a birthday dinner to celebrate and relax.

This year my kids had their hearts set on picking up a few items remaining on their Christmas wish lists. For my son it was a large LEGO train set and my daughter had to pick up a DocMobile. Unfortunately this wouldn't leave much room left over in the back of our car for necessities like a stroller.

If you like to shop sales, you know carrying an 18-month old around through stores all day is impossible.

This was the perfect time to try out our new Twist Smart Stroller from Zooper. This umbrella stroller doesn't skimp on features though, but is fantastically compact, light and convenient for quick transitions so you won't miss out on getting all those good deals.

I love this Tealberry color, but this stroller comes in 5 color choices.

This stroller conveniently locks into a compact, folded position with a side latch. Once the brake is applied to the wheels it can stand up for easy storage or while you are getting kids in and out of a parking lot. I love that it stays where I put it, and that is one less thing to worry about.

Our toddler was not having a great day shopping, so my husband appreciated that he could set up the Zooper Twist Smart with one hand. Life isn't always perfect, but having an easy to unfold stroller at least makes transitions less stressful.

The buckle is easy to use and secure. But not easy for little fingers to figure out.

One of my favorite features included the cup holder, that comes with the stroller along with a front bar and infant carrier strap. It kept my water bottle handy for a long, hard day of shopping, but out of stride while pushing it.

I also appreciated a generous, but appropriate sized cargo basket underneath. It was ample enough to hold my wet bag and baby necessities, but not large enough for me to cram with random things.

If I have too much space, I tend to use it. And then, of course, forget all about it.

The stroller was a breeze to push with tall, cushioned handles and swivel or locked front wheels. Despite being light, this stroller felt sturdy and didn't feel "tippy" as we navigated curbs, store aisles or sidewalk cracks.

If you have ever done the single-handed stroller push, you know that not all light-weight strollers are created equal. Sometimes I have a hand to hold, or my purse to secure, and this stroller delivered stability and control.

Check out Zooper's website for other great stroller options, and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for promotions and announcements.

Check out my brief video intro to the Zooper Twist Smart:


What is your favorite feature of the Zooper Twist Smart?

Save More for Messy Fun with Parent’s Choice Diapers at Walmart

This Parent's Choice Diapers shop and toddler pudding finger painting fun has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BabyDiapersSavings 

When I became a Mom of 3, I instantly had to become more frugal. I don't like to sacrifice quality for price, but whenever I can find a good deal that works well for my family, I take it! Having little kids means every day presents a new chance to create memories and have fun. Sometimes it is educational, sometimes it is messy, but I budget for our fun by saving on essentials like diapers.

Elliott is a busy little guy. Now that he is walking, he is trying to keep up with the big kids. I know he still needs to have age appropriate fun filled with chances to learn and experience new things.

We don't like to slow down for diaper disasters.

But I definitely don't want to spend all our money on disposable diapers, either. I would rather spend it on new toys or the batteries to keep them all blinking and playing music. Elliott is a huge fan of music.

Sometimes you don't have spend as much money to create special moments. Snuggling up with a good book, or singing a favorite song is easy and it is the perfect way to spend time with my youngest.

I am glad to share that diapers don't have to cost as much either! Yes, Walmart wins again for my family with their Parent's Choice brand diapers. They now have increased absorbency and can save me $240 per year over other national brands. Think of all the fun we can enjoy with that money?

You can find the Parent's Choice Diapers in the diaper aisle of the baby section. Look for the purple and white Parent's Choice packaging. You can also check this list of Walmart stores currently carrying the new and improved Parent's Choice Diapers.

3 out of 4 Moms agree with me that Parent's Choice diapers are the same or better than their current diaper brand. Now, who would want to spend more?

Art and sensory fun are two things I love to offer my little guy, and with the money I have saved on his diapers it is an activity we can do over and over. I remember getting to finger paint with pudding as a child. It was a memory I have carried with me. Though to be honest, I am sure we all ate more of the pudding than went onto our paper.

Little kids learn so much through texture and sensory exploration. I knew my toddler would love a full-body art experience.

You Will Need:

• 1 plastic tablecloth (find this for $1 in the party section of Walmart)
• finger paint paper (thicker than regular drawing paper)
• pudding cups in assorted flavors and color
• Parent's Choice Diapers from Walmart

Whether we are enjoying a great spaghetti dinner or creating art, stripping down to the diaper is the way to go. It makes going directly into the bath afterwards very simple! I know no matter how long we play, the diaper is going to keep him dry and comfortable. My budding Picasso has more important things to think about right now than diaper discomfort.

Elliott was a little shy painting at first. I laid down the plastic table cloth and gave him large pieces of paper. I opened the pudding cups for him and demonstrated how to dip a finger and swirl the pudding around on the paper.

Later on we moved to full hand prints and foot prints.

The best part about pudding finger paints is it washes out easily and it doesn't matter if he puts his fingers in his mouth. At this age he puts EVERYTHING into his mouth.

Eventually he discovered that pudding is delicious. It sure beat tasting crayons!

So, save a little money, enjoy life a little more and don't be afraid to get pudding all over your face!

Grab your own Parent's Choice Diaper coupon for Walmart and start saving today.

My Little Mover Gives Me Reason To Celebrate

I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Huggies. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating. #MC #MovingMoments

So much to do! Elliott is getting set to celebrate his 1st birthday this Friday and I can't believe how busy he is. From the moment he wakes up he is playing and crawling, standing and taking his first timid steps while I run along after him trying to tidy up the aftermath of his busy hands. Everyday seems like a new reason to celebrate him growing up.

I love watching him explore and learn about his world.

His most recent thing is to crawl into the floor swing to play. I will hear him giggling in the living room and know he has flopped down into his favorite spot, laughing as he goes back and forth.

I love watching him race across the floor after his big sister, big brother or our cat. He has mastered the crawl and have you ever seen a motivated baby? If he sees my iPhone the race is on! Thank goodness I can give him the freedom and room to explore without worrying if his diaper is up the challege.

Our Huggies Little Movers have a Snugfit wasteband that moves with Elliott whether he is laying down, climbing or trying to walk. I also like the Double Grip Strips on the sides and front that allow for a customizable fit. The velcro tabs don't rub or chaffe.  He is changing so fast everyday.  Even as he grows, I know I can count on his diapers to keep him dry and comfortable. And did you get a look at the adorable Mickey Mouse prints on the back? Love them.

I also love the fact I can pick them up on my trips to Target. I just love stocking up on baby supplies while I am there.

Now, I don't know if it is because Elliott is my third and final baby, but the transition from newborn to a full-fledge crawler seemed to go by in a blink. Now I expect him to take off running any day now.

Little Movers Target Sweepstakes

Target knows that busy guys like Elliott go through a lot of diapers and they are offering the chance to to win a year supply of  Huggies Little Movers diapers. Enter and  automatically get a $2.00 Coupon for Huggies diapers, redeemable at Target. Celebrate your little one’s moving moments by entering to win at:
https://www.moments.huggies.com/sign-in/?ReturnUrl=http://www.moments.huggies.com/Coupon?coupon=target

 Just upload a picture or video of your baby’s best moves. To enter, you will need to create or login to your existing Huggies account. Good luck! This contest ends 6/8/2014 , so hurry and enter.

Is there a special little mover in your life?

A Baby's Need to Chew... Nuby's Wacky Teething Ring™ & Teethe-eez™ Teether Set is Here To Help

*Disclaimer - I was provided a product for review as a Nuby Mommy Blogger. No other compensation was received. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Sometimes babies just need to chew.

Yes, here we go again. Elliott must be getting ready to cut more teeth because he is back to exploring his world via his mouth. Not as much drooling this time, but he will crawl up to things and just try to chew on them. Thank goodness for good teethers.

After he seemed to give up his favorite teethers, I introduced the Wacky Teething Ring™ & Teethe-eez™ Teether Set into his pile of toys in the living room. The next time he crawled into the mess to search for a favorite item, he spied this. Immediately it went into the mouth.

Is there a higher compliment for a teether than for a baby to immediately pop it into their mouths? He was drawn to the bright colors, and the multiple textures availble on the small ring. The surfaces contain Massaging Nub-eez™ and the crinkle fabric also kept him entertained.

I like that for its size, Elliott got a lot of use out it. It will be a great peice to throw into my diaper bag for the next time he gets fuzzy.

See those teeth? There are more coming!

Paired with the 100% silicone Teethe-eez™ Teether for the set, Elliott has several options for helping those new teeth errupt, and massaging his sore gums.

Grab your own Wacky Teething Ring™ & Teethe-eez™ Teether Set at TJ Maxx or purchase the teethers separately on Amazon.

Don't forget to follow Nuby on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for great contests and product announcements.

Baby Yogurt on the Go? Grab a Pouch of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt

I participated in a Blogger Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Stonyfield. I received coupons to facilitate my shopping trip and a promotional item to thank me for participating. All opinions and experiences are my own. #MC

Elliott took to eating better than I could have imagined. In fact, he is now an eating machine.

This was in stark contrast to my previous two children. After visits to the feeding clinic with my oldest and arsenal of eating tools and tricks, I was ready to give this little guy my all. Of course, he didn't need any extra help.

I waited to start feeding till he showed an interest... and an interest he had. Our pediatrician suggested starting him off with yogurt. So I did and we haven't looked back.

Of course, since Elliott doesn't have any food restrictions I wanted to find only the best food for him to start on. That lead me to Stonyfield Organic and YoBaby yogurt. We already enjoyed the Stonyfield brand in our home, but I loved the YoBaby containers. Vanilla and peach have been a big hit so far.

But have you ever tried to travel with a carton of yogurt? I promise it can get messy.

Now I can get the same YoBaby Organic Whole Milk Yogurt we love in a squeeze pouch. Am I the only one who just loves the squeeze pouch trend?

Squeeze pouches weren't as common (I don't ever remember seeing them!) when my older kids were young. Now I fill their lunches with pouches of apple sauce or other goodies. The beauty is no spoon is necessary and the cap can go back on to save leftovers for later.

Stonyfield is the first company to create a refrigerated organic yogurt pouch, and all of their  pouches contain pure organic ingredients and never have high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. Nice, right?

I was able to find YoBaby in both Blueberry and Vanilla flavors. We have given Elliott the Vanilla yogurt before, so I knew he liked it. I like it, too! Today though, we tried out Blueberry.

Elliott mildly tolerates us feeding him. I promise that I can't squeeze it onto a spoon fast enough to keep him happy. See the little tear in his right eye?

At almost 11 months old he has been able to figure out pouces pretty quickly. That frees my hands to enjoy my own breakfast.

Now, these do have to be refrigerated, but they would slip into a small cooler for short trips and I plan to take them when we head shopping or for a meal out. My son is just between stages right now. He doesn't want pureed baby food and wants to feed himself more. Because I am picky about what Elliott eats, this yogurt is a great choice for us.

Elliott is a big fan. Which flavor does he prefer? I have no idea. He goes through the pouches too fast to tell. I have tried both and love them equally. What I love is the thick and creamy texture of Stonyfield yogurts. They are great for eating straight or in our morning smoothies.

Now I am on the hunt for the YoToddler and YoKid organic yogurt pouches. I haven't been able to locate them locally yet, but I am going to request them at our regular grocery store. 

Check their site store locator to see where you can find these great pouches near you. And connect with Stonyfield on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to hear about new products and promotions.

Have you seen the Stonyfield organic yogurt pouches in your area?