It’s that time of year again - Back to School season! 

Back to School time is notoriously stressful and hectic, as well as being incredibly emotional for both parents and kids.  Although I don’t have a school aged child (yet!), I am the best aunt ever and love taking my nieces and nephews school shopping.  This year, however, I am doing a lot of my school shopping online thanks to PTPA’s list of back to school items.   

First thing on my list of things every kid needs is their own personalized labels from Mabel’s Labels.  This is especially true for kids that attend daycare, preschool, sports clubs, or even play groups and have a tendency to walk off without all their belongings when they leave (I’m talking to you, dear nephew).  While the focus here is Back to School, it should be noted that Mabel’s Labels are also incredibly useful for kids who are nowhere near school age, but who also frequently take little items out of the house with them and often lose them while they are out.  

Really, personalized labels are a must-have item for kids of all ages, and something I really believe should be required for young children and at least suggested for older kids.  I know I’m not the only parent out there who wholeheartedly agrees, which is why Mabel’s Labels is often raved about online and has even won that coveted PTPA Seal of Approval. 

So, first on my Back to School list is a pack of LOL Labels which are adorable and eye catching as well as completely versatile for baby all the way to adults.  They are perfect for the child who has a schedule of playdates to go to or for kids who are attending daycare or summer camp, or even just for the kids who are constantly battling over which cup is theirs at dinnertime, the LOL labels by Mabel’s Labels ensures all your children’s belongings make it home safely and end up with the right kid at the end of the night.

To shop, you ca head to: http://www.mabel.ca/

Don’t you just love starting out a week with new PTPA winners?!?  Of course you do! 

I love being introduced to all sorts of new companies and products that are perfect for parents like me and reading the posts from the other Panel Of Moms bloggers.  These past few months, I was really excited to get chosen for a few PTPA review opportunities as well as getting a chance to check out some previous winners.  Let me tell you, it’s really exciting to see a product you reviewed show up on that PTPA Winners List (P.S. stay tuned for my review on Corel’s Paint It!). 

Since I have become one of the PTPA Panel of Moms, I have been telling everyone I know about the company and what that Seal of Approval really means.  It’s funny because most people just assume it’s baby gear and kid stuff that PTPA reviews, but I’m constantly explaining that parents need more than baby stuff.  Yes, admittedly, we do need baby stuff, too, but we also still have lives that need to be lived and houses that need to be cleaned.  Really, when you think about it, there’s not very many products out there that parents don’t need or use (except Faberge Eggs, perhaps?) 

It’s this reason that I have decided to feature some really cool ”adult” gear on Rave and Review this fall as part of our Cozy At Home Event.  No, not that kind of adult stuff!  I’m talking homewares, cooking stuff, and even some really awesome electronics.  Of course, I will still be featuring baby and kiddo gear as well as toys and games that are Rave Worthy since the holidays are right around the corner.  I’m not sure if this will change many minds about parent reviewers, but it’s worth a shot.

If you don’t believe me that PTPA is about more that kids stuff, you should take a look at some of the awesome PTPA Seal of Approval Winners from Fall and from previous campaigns and see all the great non baby items that even those without little ones can appreciate.  Electronics?  Housewares?  Oh, yes, please!  Want to know what makes it on this reviewer’s Christmas list?  Just check out the PTPA Winning Household items - in particular the Ninja.  Oh, how I want that little Ninja to make dinner for me each night!  Yes, I know it doesn’t actually cook for you, but a girl can dream, right? 

So, check out all the great PTPA winners, past and present.  Even if you don’t have kids in the house, you can still benefit from being a PTPA tester and looking for products with that PTPA Seal of Approval in stores.  Trust me.

Fall is an exciting time for both parents and children alike, with the seasons changing and the return to school fast approaching.  As a family that does more than their share of walking - whether that is to the park, around town, or to get the weekly groceries, I find myself outraged by the carelessness of drivers that I see every day.  We’ve all seen them - cars speeding in residential zones, driving over bike lanes, and ignoring pedestrians in the shoulder on streets without sidewalks.  The new cell phone laws and texting laws are a great step in the right direction, but there is a lot more that could {and should} be done to protect pedestrians, bikers, and other vehicles on the road.     

Now that I am a mom, I realize that I cannot keep my child safe every second of every day.  I hate the fact that I must trust that others will keep my child safe when I can’t be around, and even more so that I must trust strangers to behave in ways that don’t endanger my children while we are out of the house.  We all pray that nothing like this ever happens to us, and that we will never find ourselves in the position little Elle’s parents found themselves in.  This new law is a step in the right direction as far as holding others accountable for their actions and making sure that everyone is acting like their little ones could be that child in the crosswalk. 

When I heard about Elle’s Law, I was really excited that there was progress being made to make this accountability a possibility everywhere.  Although this law only affects New York, it should serve as a wakeup call to every state that pedestrian safety cannot be overlooked and a reminder to parents everywhere that in order to keep back to school time fun and happy for everyone, it is crucial to keep traffic safety top of mind.

About Elle’s Law:

Last September, a three year old little girl named Elle was on her way to preschool when she was hit by a driver who had illegally backed through an intersection in search of a parking space. Elle spent weeks in a coma, had a stroke and lost most of the left side of her brain. The driver only received a slap on the wrist - a minor traffic ticket.

Fortunately, Elle has made a miraculous recovery and will be returning to school this fall, but many children have not been as lucky. The summer is long and drivers often forget that come fall, the streets will once again swarm with children heading to and from school. When a traffic accident involves a child, it is a tragedy that affects the entire family and its community. Unfortunately, in the majority of states in the US, there are no laws in place to deal with reckless drivers who are not under the influence of alcohol who harm pedestrians. New York, where Elle was struck, is one of those states. Because the driver who hit Elle was not drunk, he would not be punished beyond a minor traffic ticket. Elle’s mother was told that the only thing she could do is sue him.

Elle’s mother, Heather Vandenberghe, took a different approach.   Instead of suing that one driver and receiving only limited compensation for a life that is priceless, Heather decided to take action to protect other children from being the victims of careless drivers and pushed through legislation that would create harsher penalties for reckless driving.

You can see the facebook page set up for Elle’s Law here

Governor Paterson Signs “Elle’s Law”

Signing comes less than two months after bill, sponsored by State Senator Dilan and Assemblyman Kellner, was unanimously passed by the NYS Legislature;

“Elle’s Law” will strengthen penalties for injuring pedestrians while driving recklessly; law named for three-year-old Elle, who was struck by car driving wrong way on Manhattan street to get a parking spot

ALBANY, NEW YORK (AUGUST 16) – Governor David Paterson has signed “Elle’s Law,” which will strengthen state motor vehicle laws by hiking penalties for similar driving violations, helping to ensure pedestrian safety – and acting as a deterrent for reckless drivers.  The signing came less than two months after the New York State Legislature unanimously passed bills sponsored by Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner (D-Manhattan) and State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Brooklyn).

“Elle’s Law” is named after young Elle, who was struck down by a motorist driving backwards down a Manhattan street – just to get a parking spot.  Elle continues to recover from massive head trauma and significant brain damage; meanwhile, the driver was given a traffic summons, and nothing more.  “Elle’s Law” will result in any driver injuring a pedestrian while driving recklessly having his or her license suspended for up to a year.  (Current laws are already very strict for reckless driving either under the influence or impaired by alcohol.)  

“I want to thank Governor Paterson for signing this important piece of legislation into law, and extend our gratitude to Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Dilan, Assembly Member Kellner and the members of the State Legislature for shepherding ‘Elle’s Law’ through the process,” said Heather Vandenberghe, the mother of Elle.  “The main goal of ‘Elle’s Law’ has always been to protect pedestrians of all ages across New York State from suffering the same fate as my daughter.  Elle’s Law will serve as a strong deterrent to motorists who might consider breaking traffic laws, and as a result will make our streets safer.”

“I’m proud to have co-sponsored this piece of legislation, which will protect pedestrians and drivers alike,” said State Senator Dilan, who also serves as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.  “Elle’s Law sends a clear message that blatant disregard for traffic regulations can have devastating consequences.”

“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” said Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner.  “Elle’s tragedy exposed a huge loophole in the law — since there is no criminal penalty for reckless drivers who injure pedestrians unless they are intoxicated, we needed to ensure that there was some way to get dangerous drivers off the road.  That’s why I introduced Elle’s Law.  By signing Elle’s Law the Governor turned this little girl’s tragedy into a legacy: making it safer for every New Yorker to cross the street.”

Last Friday, on August 13^th, Governor Paterson signed “Elle’s Law” into law. Under Elle’s Law, any driver who causes serious physical harm to another person will committing a traffic violation will receive license suspension of up to a year.

You know those women who were seriously designed to birth babies?  I had always naively thought I would be one of them.  I’m tall, fairly fit, have a high tolerance for pain, and have what my ob/gyn calls “the perfect hip bones for child birth”.  But, nothing prepared me for 9 months of complications, worry, and scares that comes with seeing that pregnancy test. 

My first pregnancy was so bad that there was four separate specialists I saw on a regular basis in addition to my ob/gyn.  The first weeks after we got that positive test were a mess of doctors, tests, ultrasounds and specialists as I sat at home wondering if this was the day I was going to miscarry.  We had a good attitude about the whole experience and knew that pregnancy truly is a whole mix of miracles that have to happen in a specific sequence in order to get to that bouncy baby girl or boy, and all we could do was pray that it happened for us this time.  As it turned out, all those miracles did happen for us and we made it out of the first 20 weeks still expecting our little girl. 

But, it seemed like as soon as we relaxed a bit and let ourselves think that we might really bring home a baby, my pregnancy complications started.  They began as an itch - something so strong that it seemed almost primal, but I didn’t even consider that this wasn’t a normal thing of pregnancy.  When the welts started and was covered in bumps from feet to abdomen, I realized this was something quite serious.  One trip to the doctor confirmed it - I had PUPPPS combined with severe edema, a somewhat rare rash that typically comes on in late pregnancy and I just happened to have it a bit earlier in the gestational process. 

I was given some topical medications and sent home, where those little red bumps proceeded to turn into clusters of raised redness that was indescribably itchy.  But, I waited it out, assuming it would get better while I elevated my legs.  It turns out, I waited too long hoping for the best.  By the time I got myself back into the doctor, I was nearly covered in dark purple inflamed patches that made my entire body feel like it was on fire - an itchy, itchy fire.  My doctor took one look at me and it was on to the next round of specialists as they tried their best to tame the rash and keep me and my baby healthy. 

With the treatment came the side effect that I couldn’t sleep - at all.  Three nights I sat staring at my ceiling, thrashing in bed trying everything I could think of to fall asleep.  I think I slept a few minutes here, a few minutes there throughout those three days, but for the most part I laid in bed and drove my husband crazy.  It was 2:00am on the fourth day when I finally gave in.  I got up, showered, and went into work.  The early morning crew hadn’t arrived by the time I got in and unlocked the office, so I went out and got them a couple boxes of donuts that would be waiting for them when they arrived and then sat down to work (feet elevated on my desk, of course). 

For the next few days I barely left the office - mostly because it was easier than heading home and looking at my bed wishing I could just fall asleep like a normal person can, but also because I had so much energy that it just seemed like a waste to sit at home when I could be accomplishing something.  I still had that insane itch and was, for the most part, the most uncomfortable I have ever been, but at least I was getting my to-do list crossed off.    

I have never been more grateful than when my water broke nearly three weeks early and I went into active labor.  Bringing home a beautiful baby girl made the whole awful gestational experience worth it (and then some).  But, I must admit, there was a part of me that hoped I would never, ever be pregnant again.  Especially when I developed complications from the delivery that meant I had two small surgeries and was stuck in bed for days while caring for a newborn.

Seeing as how I’m 33 weeks pregnant with my second, it’s pretty clear that I eventually gave in.  Yes, my husband was right, our daughter really needed a sibling.  ONE sibling, I reminded him. 

This pregnancy has been easier in some ways than the first, and harder in ways I never imagined.  The first part of the pregnancy was eerily similar to my first, with specialists, ultrasounds, and doctors appointments daily.  This time was easier because we had been through this before and had brought home a beautiful baby girl even with all those scares.  This time was also harder because I felt more educated this time around and pregnancy is one of those times where, for me, ignorance is bliss.

Also harder is the fact that I am just busier than I used to be and it’s harder to take care of myself with an active toddler.  Adding to this is that my husband now works longer hours and there is just more stress overall than when I was pregnant the first time.  A diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes and two very scary emergency trips to Labor and Delivery have made the last few weeks very hard on all of us, especially as I watch my to-do list grow each day. 

The goal now is to keep this baby in as long as possible, to manage my diabetes with diet and medication, and to keep my elephant ankles elevated.  But, toddlers don’t understand why mama used to be so fun and now can’t even have a dance party with them.  I find myself hoping that this baby is ready to come out a bit earlier than that elusive due date and that these last few weeks of complications clear up fairly soon after the birth.

My pregnancy complications are something that is rarely discussed, except for when I’m at the doctor or when it’s just my husband and I.  I’m sure that most people around us have no idea that I experience rough pregnancies or that I had complications after the birth of our daughter.  Really, this is the only time I’ve ever laid it all out in black and white and told other people.  But, seeing as how most of you here are moms and some of you probably had a complication or two that is far worse than what I experienced, I feel like I can share a bit of my experience and you will understand. 

And, rest assured, after this I will be passing my maternity clothing to my sister in law, permanently.  If we decide our two children need more siblings after this, we will hopefully be adopting!

Are you one of those women who was designed to have babies?  Or, are you like me, and struggle through the 9 months?

Don’t forget there’s still a few more days to enter to win the PTPA Winning BOBA 2G Organic Baby Carrier from Rave and Review!

To enter to win, visit Rave and Review HERE.

I know everyone says this when they become a mom, but I seriously can’t believe how fast time flies! 

To think that two years ago I had this brand new itty bitty baby who depended on me for everything and now I’ve got this busy toddler who is so much more than just a daughter.  She’s my farmer’s market buddy, my little shadow, and is my favorite person in the world to spend time with. 

I had one of those moments the other day that really got me thinking as I was watching my daughter enjoy her newest toy - her new Step2 playhouse that now resides on our patio.  I was watching her talk to herself and her random assortment of toys she was playing with, and it dawned on me that she really is growing up so fast.  Heck, the fact that I would even allow her to play outside by herself is proof enough that the times certainly are a-changin’.  I sat there and watched her for a few minutes before I decided to go grab the video camera so I could always remember this moment of independence and growth. 

Of course, as soon as she saw me and the camera, she became focused on me and turned her chatter my way.  I stood there for a few minutes talking to her and videotaping her, just looking at how beautiful my daughter really is when all of a sudden I got so incredibly sad.  There was something surreal about watching her through the lens of the video camera that took me back to my youth and reminded me of when I watch baby videos of my family when we were all little.  And then, naturally, I realized that I’m not always going to be able to set the camera down and squeeze this beautiful little daughter of mine and someday she was going to need more freedom than our back deck. 

Realizing that it’s only weeks away until my daughter becomes a big sister and our family is forever changed in one of the most wonderful ways possible, I can’t help but wish I could just slow down time for a little while and savor all these moments as they come.  As excited as I am about what is to come for our family, I really never forget how wonderful my family already is.  I have already been blessed in ways I never would have thought possible and truly live my dream life, all of which makes me wish that time would just slow down.

“Personalization Done Perfect”

Do you love your kid’s name?  Of course you do, you picked it out of hundreds of thousands of traditional or slightly made up names that you could have bestowed upon your baby.  Whether your child will eventually hate that name or not (and they probably will – right around late elementary school or middle school for at least a few years, depending upon how well you chose), there is a glorious period of 3 to 12 years where your child will love seeing their name and treasure anything and everything that is emblazoned with it. 

And I mean anything.  Marbles, paperweights made out of rocks, or cheap pens - if it’s got your kid’s name they will love it.  The problem is that the bulk of personalized paraphernalia are low quality, flimsy products that survive solely on the basis of their personalization alone, which means that they have a very limited shelf life around lively kiddos.  Two Tinas is personalization done right, with a collection of some of the highest quality children’s apparel and accessories out there – and they just happen to be personalized. 

My favorite is their 29” x 29” Signature Blanket, which combines gorgeous cotton prints, an ultra modern large felt initial and ultra-soft plush lining that is sure to be naptime’s best friend.  Their website didn’t even begin to convey the quality craftsmanship of the blanket or the softness of the plush side, which I found to be an exciting and yet unexpected surprise. 

The Signature Blanket is thick and heavy, with crisp, tight knit cotton prints paired with a lavishly soft interior that begs to be snuggled.  They look beautiful when they arrive, folded just so and tied up beautifully with a handwritten note for your little one, and wash up just as nice.  Perfect size for a stroller blanket or petite play yard mat; offering warmth and even a bit of cushioning when needed. 

While you are shopping, you should check out Two Tinas’ My Name Snapsuits,which are made of thick pre-shrunk cotton and have baby’s name proudly displayed on the front in soft felted letters that are nothing like the cheap iron on letters of yesteryear.  They are flexible and delicate but never peel off, even after washing. 

They are highly recommended baby gifts for the impossible to shop for.  As an added bonus, the fact that they have your baby’s name on it means that you can take a break from answering the all-important question of the first few months of your baby’s life.  As nice as it is to not have to tell the nosy lady at the bank what you named your baby, the Snapsuit does nothing to stop the question that inevitably follows it – “how much did your baby weigh at birth?”  Sigh.  I guess you can’t win them all.    

http://www.twotinas.com/  Please note that personalized products take a bit longer to ship, so buy at least 2 weeks ahead of time. 

Price: $30 for the Snapsuit and $48 for the Signature Blanket