Hello Kitty Party Planning

One week until party day!  The party location has been booked, Tiny Prints invites went out and {almost} everyone has RSVP'd.  Here are a few more of the Hello Kitty Party details...

Goodie Bags

Made by Nonna and aren't they the cutest things you have ever seen?!  Ever?!?!  Inside the goodie bags will be Hello Kitty Scrabble Tile Necklaces for the girls, coloring books, markers, pencils, candy jewelry, stickers and more Hello Kitty fun from the Target Dollar Spot.  Still deciding what to do for babies and boys.  Our party site provides goodie bags so we might just go with those? 

Modern Frills Shirts

I'm so thankful that Betsy from The Cool Kids Blog introduced me to Kristina of Modern Frills!  This is the style of Ellie's shirt but colors are custom and Madeline has a coordinating shirt for the party, too.  There have to be some surprises for party day.  But I will tell you that Kristina of Modern Frills is a saint and logged many hours creating these custom shirts.  I might have been a tad indecisive. 

Modern Frills has shirts of all themes including vintage cakes on stands, initials, numbers, firetrucks and much more.  Can't say enough great things about her work and I can't wait to show pics of the girls in theirs!

Party City

Gotta love Party City.  All of our Hello Kitty needs in one spot for cheap cheap.  Here are a few of Ellie's birthday requests:

Hello Kitty Tiara

 Birthday Banner

 'Party Noise Makers'

And of course, party hats.

Everyone in Ellie-Town is sure getting excited!  Don't forget, if you are planning a party, be sure to read our 8 Steps to Party Planning Success.

Stride Rite

Ellie's first pair of shoes were from Stride Rite.  We had no idea what we were doing or how to measure her 12 month old feet, so we trusted the experts and they led us in the right direction.

As Ellie grew older, some of her shoes continued to come from Stride Rite but we also put Crocs, Nikes, Lelli Kelly's and even Target shoes in the mix.  But every few months when we are at the mall, we'll run in and have Stride Rite measure to get the sizing correct.

When Madeline claimed her title as a walker, we brought her to Stride Rite to get her 'real' shoes.  Again the customer service was amazing and the shoes adorable.  But the best part?  Stride Rite now makes the sole insert removable and is marked letting you know when your child needs a larger size.

Brilliant, right?!  No more guessing.  Pull the insert out, stand the child on it and you instantly know if it's time to go up a size.

But I hope these adorable little birdie numbers last a long time.  They are just too cute!

For the record, there was no compensation provided for this post.  Just wanted to share something to make your life a little easier.

Grand Supreme

Toddlers & Tiaras is one of my guilty pleasures.  On a gloomy day when the girls both take extra long naps, those RARE days, I'll click the OnDemand button on the remote and see if there's a new episode waiting for me.

I am not one of those moms.  I could never be one of those moms.  But.  I will tell you that if I was one of those moms, my girls would rock a pageant. 

There, I said it. 

Ellie has just the right combination of girly-girl, competitiveness and wanting to be on a stage that could make Eden Wood run for cover.  And sweet Madeline already has Ellie's dance routine moves down.  She can shake her booty in a tutu and demands a hair bow daily.

We did order a turquoise tulle and sequin costume for Ellie's first recital that bore a striking resemblance to a 'beauty wear' outfit on a recent episode, but that's as close as my girls will get to Toddlers & Tiaras.

Now I know I can't be the only one that A) watches this train wreck show and B) thinks their kids would rock in a hypothetical pageant.  Do you have an undiscovered Grand Supreme in your house, too?  Come on, be honest!

3rd Row - yes or no?

Alright everyone in Bloggy-Land, we need your help.  There is a debate going on in our house about what our next car should be.  Let's take a step back, there is a debate going on in our house about whether or not we need a new car and if we do need a new car what that car should be.

Currently we have the older body style Honda Pilot.  Love it, has every bell and whistle that a car made before 2007 could have - navigation, heated leather seats, moon roof, and on and on.  It also has a third row, which with two car seats in the second row you get the honor of entering through the trunk.

I'm not sure a parent gets a good feeling when you open the trunk to put her daughter in your car for ballet class.  Call me crazy.

So now my question to you - does a family of four need an easily accessible 3rd row?

I think yes.  Carpools and sleepovers are in our near-ish future.  We also have family nearby and it would be so nice to all fit in one vehicle. 

Ryan thinks no.  There are four people in our family so we need a car with four seats.  A third row is an extra bonus but not necessary for our family's next car. 


The Contenders:

GMC Acadia

Ford Explorer

Chevy Traverse

Ford Flex

We are at a standstill and need your help!  Especially moms of older kids with a family of four, do you need a third row that fits actual people and is easily accessible? 

{I'm hoping everyone agrees with me and I can show this to the hubs for proof, m'kay?}

A tutu always makes it better.

Poor Mads.

After a trip to Urgent Care on Friday night, we discovered she had her first double ear infection.  So when the sickie wanted to pick out her own outfit Saturday morning, who were we to tell her that her new summer outfit {complete with sunhat} didn't exactly compliment her bunny pj's.

And when our girl wanted to add a tutu and her new Stride Rite shoes?  No one could say know with that pathetic cough of hers. 

Mads is feeling better after a few doses of antibiotics.  More to come about the new shoes later this week....

In times of Cholera

Remember how Ellie received the Elizabeth doll from Santa this past Christmas?  We blew through the Elizabeth book and decided on Kirsten for our next American Girl.

Kirsten and her family immigrate from Sweden to America in the 1850's.  Their journey is long and difficult as they make their way to settle in Minnesota.  While I don't remember all of the details of this book from when I was a little girl, I did remember that Kirsten's friend dies on the ship.  Unfortunately I forgot to fill Ryan in on that aspect of the plot.

To bribe Ellie for not being able to go out with Auntie and me one night, we promised her Ryan would read an extra chapter in Meet Kirsten that night.  Upon arriving home, a traumatized Ryan began telling us how Kirsten's friend died on the ship from cholera and how he didn't want Ellie to have nightmares so he skipped a lot of the chapter.

The next night Ellie was getting ready for bed and filling me in on what I had missed the night before.

"Kirsten's friend died of cholera, Mama."

"I know, Ellie.  I remember from when Mama and Auntie read that book when we were little girls."

"It was very sad.  So is that why I get vacc-sceneries?  So I won't get cholera?"

"Vaccines.  Yes, that is why we get vaccines.  To stay healthy."

"OK.  I really don't want to get cholera.  I don't want to get old either.  You die from old."

After reassuring her that she was very young and didn't have to worry about getting old for a long, long time, we finished the book that night.  Kirsten's family reached Uncle Olav's farm and they settled into a happy life together. 

Of all parenting topics, death is by far the most difficult.  Death is part of life.  It's in just about every Disney movie from Bambi to Cinderella but that doesn't seem to make it any easier.  We could have skipped that section all together but should we have?


Do you shy away from the topic or confront it head on?

Mom Fail

We all make mistakes.  Some larger than others.  While Ryan was out of town for work I made a pretty big one.

It was the week of the blizzard and the girls and I had just arrived home from camping out at Nonna and Poppa's house.  Friday afternoon everyone went down for a nap (woohoo!) then we spent a quiet evening playing that ended with watching a few DVR'd shows I had missed before heading to bed.

The next morning after a pancake breakfast, the girls watched Nick Jr. while getting ready for the day.  I noticed while picking up in the kitchen that the shows were ending at kind of odd times.  The power had gone out at my parents' so I figured maybe ours had flashed, too.  No biggie.

Our afternoon was jam packed with a birthday party, soccer and dinner with a friend.  When the clocks read 2:40, I packed up the car with kids, birthday gifts, soccer stuff and made our way to Jump City.  Walking in the door we were greeted by the hostess who said, "Glad you finally made it!  Jumping is almost over though."

Say what?

"Really?  The party started at 2:45, right?  We're just a few minutes late..."

"Kristin, it's 4:00."

"No, it can't be.  Come on..."

"Seriously, 4:00."

"But soccer starts at 4:00.  Oh.my.god.the.power.must.have.gone.out.we.are.supposed.to.be.at.soccer.at.4.I.have.the.treats.this.week.gotta.go.bye!  I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!!"

Got the kids back in the car and apologized profusely because you can bet that my little friend was more than disappointed that her bounce house fun just disappeared before her eyes.  And after the 500th "I'm so sorry!" Ellie finally said, "Mom, it's OK."

We missed all of warm ups but made it just in time for Ellie's soccer game to start.  On the way back home to meet my friend for dinner, I called the hostess to apologize a few hundred more times.  She told me not to worry my time telling snafu provided enough laughter for the rest of the party.

At least they were laughing.

This temporary single parent business is not for me.  My inability to tell time (at least tell that there was a significant power outage!) as well as a hatred for garbage day and taking the dog out after 10 pm makes me appreciate having a husband!

Have you had a mom fail lately?  Spill it!

Tiny Prints Birthday Party Invitation Product Review

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars.

In the past we have used Tiny Prints for holiday cards but were excited to give them a try for birthday invitations.  Ellie had tough requirements - a Hello Kitty party invitation with her picture on it.  I was not optimistic while typing in TinyPrints.com, but was excited to find several choices.  This is the one we selected:

Now you are probably thinking a few things:

1.  What is with that photo on the back left? 

For some reason I could not get the photo to zoom out correctly but after a minute of chatting with Tiny Prints' live help, a customer service rep told me I would be sent a proof to make sure everything was correct before printing.  I was and it was perfect.  Love the live help!

2.  Wow, there is printing on the back!

I know!  While there were many adorable Hello Kitty invites with printing on the front, I loved these black and white pictures that were taken during our holiday shoot by Gina Cristine.  Ellie's outfit colors were holiday so putting them in black and white with the pink accent of the event location's website is a perfect fix.  If you are having a birthday party at a location and need to provide additional information, the option to print on the back side is a great one.  Printing on the reverse side of the invitation is no additional charge!

3.  This invite couldn't be cuter!

Again, I know!  And the quality is amazing as well.  Printed on thick cardstock in a matte finish, it really is even more adorable in person.  Matching stickers and thank you cards are available with most styles as well.

Tiny Prints' ability to bring tasteful invitations and party decor of our children's favorite characters is just another benefit to add to the long list.  I can't imagine a time where they will not be the first place our family goes to all of our stationery needs!

Disclosure:  A huge thanks to Tiny Prints for providing the Hello Kitty invitations for this review!

Heart Shaped Pizza

Ten years ago Ryan and I shared our first Valentine's Day.  In our junior year of college, he arrived with roses and brought me to the best restaurant in the city  After that date and the previous month of others, we were official, and have now been together for 10 years.

That was a great Valentine's Day.  New love, getting dressed up, it was perfect.  Unfortunately we've had a few not so great ones since then.  There was the time I had my BriteSmile teeth whitening treatment after which I curled up in a ball and began crying until the Vicodin kicked in. 

We've been across the country from each other or flying home to be back together.  Did you know Southwest Airlines gives out free Cranberry & Vodkas on V-Day?

But my most favorite Valentine's Day tradition began three weeks before Ellie made her debut into the world.  Our local city pizza place had attached a flyer on our latest box advertising a heart shaped pizza special on 2.14.  Perfect!  Ten days away from a due date, that was the perfect solution.

This year we will dine on heart shaped pizza again and it might be the best Valentine's Day yet. 


What are your V-Day traditions?  Is heart shaped pizza on your menu tonight or will be be getting fancy and going out?

Happy Valentine's Day!  Especially to Grandma and Granddad, it's their anniversary and they are still happy together at 91!!!

Make New Friends...

Ellie brought home a new friend on Tuesday.  Flipper the dolphin/whale was to be our guest from Tuesday until Thursday and our job was to show him a great time then write about it in his travel journal.  When asked what we should do, Ellie said we should take him to dinner.  So we did.

The fellow diners at our local Red Robin went wild when they saw Flipper jump up into the big red birds arms.

Wednesdays Ellie has dance class so Flipper came along.  We even found Madeline's tutu from her 3 month photo shoot that was the perfect size for our friend.

After dance, we worked on Valentines for Ellie's class and family.  Flipper was right in there helping out and trying to dodge the glitter.

And after all that fun, it was time to curl up and go to sleep.  Flipper fit right in with Ellie's other friends.



If we would have had our guest over the weekend, Flipper could have taken a trip to the big city or something a little more exciting.  But with short notice and school nights, we think Flipper had a pretty great time.  We know that everyone out and about had fun meeting Flipper.

Where would you have taken Flipper?

Toddler Brushing

This is what happens with a silly baby the first time you give her a toothbrush.

Everything you need to know before you buy your daughter her first two wheeler.

Ellie's 4th birthday is quickly approaching but we have known for quite sometime what her gift will be from us - a 'bike with two wheels.'

While shopping for said bike with two wheels, there are certain criteria that this gift must meet and I'm not talking about high safety standards, non-rusting aluminum frame or helmet.  To help future parents of daughters shopping for their first bicycle, here is the list of first two wheeler must haves:

1.  Streamers.  Multi colored are best, of course, but any dangling from the handle bars will do.

2.  Basket.  When Ellie mentioned her list of requirements, she needed a basket for Oxford.  To my knowledge she hasn't yet seen the Wizard of Oz, so I'm not sure why she would think to put a miniature terrier in the basket of a bicycle but I can see how it would come in handy.  A girl could have a favorite doll or stuffed animal that needs a ride or maybe she wants to bring a snack along on her trek, either way it's high on the priority list.

3.  Bell.  "How will I let traffic know I'm coming if I don't have a bell, Mom?"  Good point.  A preschooler's first two wheeler must have a bell.  Parents, fear not, if the one you purchase does not have this as a standard feature, it can be bought for a few bucks and added on.



The *perfect* bike.

4.  Color.  Color is uber important but it varies girl to girl.  Ellie's first choice today is purple but it can switch to pink with the drop of a hat.  Get a first and second choice color before shopping.

Now onto more practical requirements....

5.  Size.  Our local Trek bike shop has a chart that your child can stand against to find the perfect fit.  A 12" bike is not going to last long but a 16" should last a few years.

6.  Where to buy?  Depends on your budget.  While the Trek shop we visited is definitely on the highest end of our price range, they have ways to make a child's bike more affordable.  You could purchase a used bike or do their kids' bike trade in program where you receive a discount on your next bike when you trade in a previously used one. 

Toys R Us and Target were also on our list.  Unfortunately our Target had not a single 16" girls bike available and the smallest that was on display was a 20".  Toys R Us had a nice selection in various price points with all of the accessories you could need.  Then there is also amazon.com and loads of places to buy online.


If you follow the above list you will have a thrilled child ready to tackle two wheeler riding.  Now if you have any tips on teaching a kid how to ride a bike, I'd love to hear it!

Toddler Soccer Take 2

Ellie alternated yelling, "Kick it to me!  Kick it to me!"  and "I've got it!  I've got it!"  Then when a parent called out "Go Katie!" we heard Ellie shout back "Go Elizabeth!"

After a goal they line up to regroup and remember which way they are trying to kick.  Ellie pointed to her own goal.

The girls on the Mustangs wore pink and purple pants. 

Ellie did great - she tried her best, ran hard, had two kicks, two wipe outs and NO crying!

     

This is a different and much better update to last year's Toddler Soccer.

snOwMG / Snowmageddon / Snowpocalypse

Being snowed in was a blast!

How did you spend your blizzard days?

Snowpocalypse

Or #groundhogsdayblizzard2011

Eek!  It's coming!

I'm super excited and freaked out all at once.  The fridge is stocked, there are valentines to make, cookies to bake and crafting to do.  Our new stack of Disney movies {thanks Jim!} will be watched and there will be lots of cuddling under blankets.  If only we had a fireplace.

Our weather forecasters are predicting this to be a top 5 storm or the biggest storm since 1999.  Can I tell you how glad I am that snow removal is covered in our association dues? 

In a few days the snow should be taller than Madeline.  You know I'll have them both in their snow pants and boots with lots of pictures to come.

Stay warm and safe!