Monthly Archives: December 2011

To wrap or not to wrap?

Posted by Courtney on December 23, 2011 None comments

My daughter is 16-months old and I am super jazzed for Christmas. Just about anything excites her at this point, so it’s going to be really fun watching her with her new toys.

I’m having an internal debate about whether or not to wrap her presents. My mom has been doing the 12 days of Christmas for her, and she’s been wrapping all of them, but Chloé just isn’t interested. I don’t expect her to know how to unwrap them, but she only wants to see what the gift is when she can actually see it.

So, my thoughts are, maybe gifts from Santa will not be wrapped. They can be exposed and out of the box, ready-to-use. And ones from her dad and I will be wrapped.

I know there are parents out there who have presents wrapped from both Santa and them, but for me, I might start a tradition that might be less confusing. Plus, I won’t have to wait to see her excitement!

Thankfully Chloé is so young, she won’t remember any of this, so it’s all trial and error at this point. Guess I’ll have to wait two days to find out!

Merry Christmas!

Keep your pets happy and safe while traveling

Posted by Courtney on December 14, 2011 None comments

With the holidays here, many people are planning on traveling to visit loved ones. And if you’re like me, you probably want to take your furry friend with you. But, sometimes you can’t, and finding a pet care service you can trust can be a challenge.

“Our pets are like family and the last thing we want to do is stress over their care during the holiday season,” said Paula Fleming, BBB spokesperson. “Take a few moments to do your research and find a kennel you can trust so your time out of town will be easier for you and your pet.”

If you’re looking for a reliable kennel, BBB recommends the following checklist:

Check them out and get recommendations. Always check out the kennel with BBB at bbb.org first to make sure they have a good track record for keeping customers satisfied. Also ask your friends, neighbors, veterinarian or local animal shelters for recommendations.

Make a visit. Personally visit the facilities you are considering before scheduling the boarding. Check for cleanliness and offensive odors, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.

Ask lots of questions. If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities escape-proof. Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times. Ask about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and frequency of – or fees related to – exercise. Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy. Finally, ask what happens in case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.

Go with your gut. Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the boarded pets. Ask about their background and experience. If your state requires inspections, look for the certificate on the wall and make sure the kennel is properly licensed. Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization, and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.

And if you can take your pet with you on the holidays, the more the merrier!

Maclaren rain cover: Lifesaver in bad weather

Posted by Courtney on December 10, 2011 None comments

When we went to NYC earlier this week, both days we spent there were windy and rainy. Regardless of the weather we still wanted to sight see.

This trip was the first time I’ve had to use my Maclaren rain cover, and let me just say it was the only reason we were able to tour the streets with a baby in inclement weather.

Chloé and I shopping at Bryant Park in the rain.

I have the Maclaren Triumph, and the rain cover was so easy to put on. It just snaps over the notches on the stroller, and folds up easily too. It literally covers your child from over the canopy right down to their little feet.

There’s also holes poked in the plastic so your child doesn’t get all stuffy underneath it.

I’m so happy I brought it with me because Chloé had no idea it was raining all day, and had a blast while in the big city.

This rain cover is a must-have is you have a Maclaren stroller!

For more info on rain cover, click here.

Traveling with a toddler around the holidays

Posted by Courtney on December 6, 2011 None comments

Today is the second time we’ve taken little Miss Chloe to NYC since she was born, and even though there’s been a year in between the two times, it’s still a struggle.

She was 3 months old last November when we went, and she is almost 16 months old now. We have just as much stuff this time, maybe more, and we’re only staying for one night.

Snacks, diapers, her clothes, my clothes, pack n play, toys, stroller, baby carrier etc…

My husband tells me I always pack too much, but I always say “I’d hate to buy something on a trip that I already have at home.” So, here we are, staying in Times Square, near Christmas time, on a rainy day, trying to do it all.

I’m excited about this trip but I will say, as a mom, it’s always difficult to let yourself go and enjoy things because you’re just worried about everybody else.

Things we hope to accomplish while here:
Visit Santa at Macy’s on 34th Street
See the tree at Rockefeller Center
We are attending a Rock n Bowl party in Times Square for the launch of Santa’s Hideout, so that will be fun!
Check out window displays of Saks, Bloomies, Lord and Taylor

Even though it took an hour and half longer than usual to get here, I am excited and glad I get to spend these two days in the city. Here’s to making more memories!

12 days of Melissa & Doug: Day 8, sound puzzle!

Posted by Courtney on December 5, 2011 None comments

My daughter Chloé is almost 16 months old now and is just starting to get into Melissa & Doug’s wooden puzzles. She’ll make the sounds of the animals I point to, it’s adorable. What I love about the sound puzzles for sale on Zulily today, they make the noises back at your little one! Nothing wrong with a little independent learning. :)

Give your small scholar an educational jump start with this trio of innovative sound puzzles. Real animal and vehicle sounds emerge when a piece is placed in its slot, which helps reinforce your sweetie’s knowledge. Easy to use and understand, these puzzles are perfect for independent play—and learning!

• Includes Vehicle Sound Puzzle, Farm Sound Puzzle and Pets Sound Puzzle
• Recommended for ages two years and up
• Imported

Vehicle Sound Puzzle
• 11.8” W x 8.65” H x 0.85” D
• Plywood / MDF / plastic / metal

Farm Sound Puzzle
• 11.8” W x 8.65” H x 0.85” D
• Plywood / MDF / plastic / metal

Pets Sound Puzzle
• 11.5” W x 8.5” H x 1.1” D
• Plywood / MDF / plastic / metal

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