Author Archives: Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy)
Zack’s Dream Room…making his dream come true.
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Get Inspired: Making a Difference, Just Between Us - 0 comments - posted on Mar 24th, 2011On March 10, 2011, the world lost a very inspirational little boy, Zack Hamilton. We lost our precious son. Ty and Jayden lost their littlest brother. Zack was born in September 2007 with a congenital heart defect known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage (TAPVD). At two and a half weeks old, Zack underwent a procedure to repair his heart. Zack’s survival at that time, was the first of many miracles in his life. Zack also had several other anomalies, including hearing loss, global developmental delay, feeding issues, a gastrostomy tube (G-Tube), seizures, and fluid in the brain. … Continue reading
Remembering my son, Zack
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Just Between Us, Special Needs - 7 comments - posted on Mar 23rd, 2011Zack Hamilton September 21st, 2007-March 10th, 2011 All parents feel a sense of pride for their children, but we truly believe that the pride we felt for Zack went beyond any parent’s wildest dreams. For a child born with so many “imperfections” according to his genetics, our son was truly perfect in our eyes. Zack lived each day with obstacles that made even the basic functions like eating and walking difficult for him, and yet, he lived his life without knowing he had limitations. He tackled every therapy as merely a stepping stone to accomplish what he was after and … Continue reading
Celebrating our Biracial kids!
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in For the love of parenting, Just Between Us - 6 comments - posted on Feb 18th, 2011Halle Berry’s custody battle has stirred some discussion about race and raising biracial children. In large part, pop culture and the media seem to accept biracial relationships and even biracial children- hell, they even make it seem “cool” to have a black or mixed baby. Just look at Seal and Heidi, Hank and Kendra even the United States President is of mixed race! I remember back when Paul and I met, we got lots of looks when we were together. Even now, when we stand at a cashier or in a store, no one assumes we are together unless we … Continue reading
Day 2- Toy Fair: Smurfs, Spies and Bieber oh my!
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Just Between Us, Product Reviews - 10 comments - posted on Feb 16th, 2011Day 2 did not disappoint! While we totally got lost looking for booth Patch Products, when we finally arrived, it was well worth the wait! They had the most fabulous games for kids! Peg stackers for developing fine motor skills for your toddlers or kids with special needs had moved from very simple to a new advanced version with monkeys in a scene! We totally loved the games for older kids like Farkle and Love it Hate it! The dice game Farkle has been around for centuries, in fact…but we giggled at the idea that you can be “Farkled”! … Continue reading
Day 1 Toy Fair- Would YOU love to test these new nominees?
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Just Between Us, Product Reviews - 86 comments - posted on Feb 15th, 2011While I was far away from my REAL valentines….I was certainly feeling the love in NYC at the Toy Fair! From the minute we walked in the door, we were taken back to our childhood and with eyes wide open, we dove into the difficult task of finding new PTPA Nominees for our upcoming Toy Campaign. Not only did we play, get great free stuff for our kids, and meet amazing entrepreneurs; we also got to search for toys that we think that our testers will deem the new PTPA Winners of 2011! Here is a list of what toys we would … Continue reading
It feels like Christmas Eve….
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Just Between Us - 8 comments - posted on Feb 13th, 2011I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve…. My stomach is fluttering, I’m feeling nervous and excited and all I can think about is TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!!!!! Why you ask? Tomorrow, Kathryn (Director of Marketing, @dogpaddling) and I hit New York for the American International Toy Fair ! Two moms who are on the look out for the best and newest innovative toys to nominate for our PTPA Seal of Approval! Not only am I totally excited to see the creative ways the over 1100 manufacturers will be displaying our favourite characters (I hear they have a Lightening McQueen made out … Continue reading
Top 10 PTPA Winning Valentine’s Day Gifts! Scavenger Hunt Winner!
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Holiday Blogaholics, Just Between Us - 28 comments - posted on Feb 10th, 2011Candies and Chocolate are the obvious choice for this holiday…but if you want to try some new ideas this Valentine’s Day? I was inspired to “think outside the chocolate box” this year wtih some amazing PTPA Winners that are sure to show the kids just how much you love them!!! 1. How about a manual to help you write heartfelt messages? Write the Right Word is the perfect choice to get the creative juices flowing! 2. Plan a Valentine’s Day dance party with Name Your Tune personalized CD- now both CDs are PTPA Winners!!! Your kids will feel so special hearing … Continue reading
Black History Month: We have a long way to go
Heather Hamilton (TJZMommy) in Just Between Us - 11 comments - posted on Feb 1st, 2011I didn’t sleep last night…not for the usual wakings of our boys, but because of a disturbing event that happened at a movie I went to last night with a friend. Our local theatre was basically empty, except for a couple in their 50′s, two young black women and my girlfriend and I. Halfway through the show, the woman in her 50′s turned around and yelled at the young women to be quiet! Not in a “could you please be quiet” tone, but “shut up, I came to listen to this freakin movie and I don’t want to hear you talking … Continue reading