Despicable Me DVD Movie

On the  early morn of Ms. Burrito's birthday, we let her open the gifts we got for her before we went on our road trip going to Cleveland and  Mentor Ohio.  Mr. Burrito  made something for his sister, he said it isn't a store bought but  he said it is a special one.  He even wrapped it by himself so no one will see it.

We asked what is it and he said it 's a mini  trash bin so her sister  will have something to put her little mess when doing an art.  Oh what a  practical thinking for the little mister lol.

We got her some board games, Dispecable Me movie, and curlers.

We have been playing the monopoly and scrabble, a great family  games.

One of the gifts we got for her is a pack of  different sizes of curlers.

She has been using it since.  I showed her  once how to use it and  she does it now by herself.  She reminds me of myself when I was a kid as  I always wanted a curly hair.

Thank you also to the Howells family, the Dias family, and the Fancher family for the   precious gifts.  I will be posting it one by one here in Ms. Burrito's blog.

Slip n Slide at the Backyard

We bought  a Slip 'n Slide at the store.  It gives my super active kids something to do whenever it is so hot.  They have been using this  since we bought it.  For $5,  children get to enjoy  the  outdoor fun to beat the heat.

Mr. Burrito  goes crazy sliding in it while the  little Miss is always cautious.

Having a Baby? Here's What You'll Need to Buy…

If you are expecting a miniature bundle of joy to pop into your life any day now, you will likely have a billion different things to think about. One of those is bound to be the various goods and supplies you’re going to need to get you through the first few weeks, then the ones you’ll need for the rest of the 18 or so years…

Luckily for you and your busy, busy schedule, we are on hand to save the day. So that you don’t have to worry about compiling lists and cross referencing with your various parental advice pamphlets, we have gone to the effort of making a handy list for you.

And so, without any further ado, may we present to you the following, the Finest Baby Prep List in All the Land™.

General Supplies

Okay, there’s no real “set menu” when it comes to supplies – you’ll just have to buy everything and in large quantities. You won’t know how many nappies and what-have-you you’ll go through in a standard week, so it’s always better to have too much than too little.

You’ll have to stock up on nappies, baby wipes, talcum powder, and a wide range of baby-friendly toiletries. Once he or she starts getting a little older, you will have to start buying baby food, but until then you might want to get some infant formula milk.

Bottles and bottle brushes will of course be necessary, and you may find a breast pump to be of use. A nursing pillow can be a godsend for your poor, strained neck, and breast-feeding accessories like lanolin ointment can help.

For feeding, a highchair (freestanding or attachable) will be needed, as will baby bowls, baby spoons, bibs and sippy cups. Just look at the mess they can make if you’re not prepared!

Other essentials include dummies, a play mat, and – of course – plenty of toys and clothes!

Out and About

To get around, you’ll want a pram or pushchair. Keep in mind that the latter is only suitable for a newborn if it can be fully reclined – don’t keep a baby sitting up! For some inspiration, take a look at the pushchairs from Cosatto; the travel systems are particularly useful, as they recline all the way back and can even be used as a car seat, meaning there’s one less thing to buy!

A baby carrier will also be useful: you can keep your little loved one close and warm!

Snoozing Away

Of course, you babe in arms will need somewhere to sleep, so you’ll have to invest in a cot. For safety, look for the British Standard mark 1753. You’ll need a firm mattress and some light blankets – pillows and duvets are unsafe. For more safety info, visit the NHS site.

Everyday Safety

Childproof your home. This is of vital importance; it stops any nasty accidents. Put safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, and invest in a few plug socket covers. Apart from those, you might also want a toilet seat lock and some cupboard/drawer latches.

Get hold of a digital thermometer for any moments of illness, and some baby monitors to keep you updated on the sleeping situation.

…that’s about it, really! No list can ever be truly exhaustive, as you might decide you need other bits and bobs (like baby nail clippers), but we’ve tried our darnedest! All you have to do now is await the arrival!

Polka Dot Leg Warmer from Taddle Tell

Hip Wink sent me a pair of this polka dot leg warmers for review.  Ms.  Burrito can definitely use this during   Fall or  Winter times.  She's a cold-natured girl just like me so even  the  air condition inside our home can really make her cold so she uses this once in a while.  She love the color combination of hot pink and brown.  

Hip Wink not only sell beautiful leg warmers but they also has beautiful designs and colorful tutu skirts and dresses,  birthday dresses, bubblegum necklaces, leggings, and seasonal items.  So if you want to get something  pretty for your little girl, check out Hip Wink..

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  The product mentioned above was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes.

Difrax Classic Pacifiers

Difrax sent me a pack of this pacifier.  Yeah I know, you might be thinking what do I need this for.  I don't  need any of it as I don't have small baby anymore but I know someone who does.  Difrax is unique  and different from  other pacifiers because they are designed  specifically to soothe your baby.  and it also help break the habit of using one when your  baby does not need it anymore.  It has  round nipples that most resembles the breast so it feels more like the Mom is the one soothing the baby.

I had some pacifiers given by friends when my kids were still babies but I never really let them use it.   I read an article once that it could affect  baby's  teeth so that's why I stay away fro m pacifiers.  I am not against using pacifiers as I know that it helps some babies to get calm when they are feeling agitated but sometimes, when baby got used to   using them, it is very hard to  break them away from using one.

How about you, did you let your children use pacifiers?

Key Attributes of the Difrax 3-Stage Pacifier System:

1. The 3 stage pacifier system has newborn to 6 month, 6+ month, and 18+ month styles designed with features/benefits unique to the needs of that baby's age
2. Unique butterfly shape keeps nose free and allows for extra air circulation, reducing risk of skin irritation 
3. The pacifiers come in a wide array of fun and trendy colorful patterns
4. The Classic pacifiers have round nipples that resemble a breast, making them perfect for babies who are breastfeeding

Additional Info

Difrax Pacifier System from The Netherlands-the trendy, fun, innovative pacifier system designed for every stage of your baby/child's development.  One size does not fit all.  The classic style offers a round nipple that most resembles the breast, so it feels more like mommy while the orthodontic style stimulates the development of the palate and the muscles of the jaw and mouth.  Each collection comes in newborn to 6 month, 6+ month and 18+ month styles that are specifically designed with different features and benefits unique to the needs of that baby's age .  The 18 month pacifier is even designed to wean baby off.  In addition, the unique butterfly shape, the result of years of research and development, allows for extra air circulation, reducing the risk of skin irritation and keeping the nose free. You'll love all the fun colors and patterns available too! http://www.difraxusa.com/

Disclosure:  The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated in writing this review.  The product mentioned above was provided for FREE i for   evaluation purposes.

Snooze Shade

Snooze Shade sent me this Sun and Sleep Shade for babies on the go.  I wish that I have one of this when my kids were still little but I am glad that I have one because I have a friend who needs it.  This can be used for single and double strollers.  You can also attach this in an infant car seats.  You can even use this when you and your baby just want to enjoy a  relaxing and peaceful time in the backyard.  

This  sun and sleep shade is a must have  for parents with small babies  to keep your  little one cool during  hot weather days.  It has a built in pockets for you to put like your baby's  pacifier or milk bottle.  I bet babies would sleep right through when you take them for a walk and their  stroller is covered with this sun and  sleep shade.

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated in writing this review.  The product mentioned above was provided for FREE  for evaluation purposes.

Could You Help Children and Young People Rebuild Their Lives?

If you’re thinking about fostering or adopting, then there are a number of things you will have to consider before you make your final decision. Although in legal terms fostering and adopting are different, they both represent the same challenges – being responsible for a child in need. No matter what type of care you decide on, you must always talk it though with your husband, wife or partner, it’s a decision that will greatly affect both your lives.

If you are seriously considering foster care or adoption, then there are various local government training classes to prepare you for your application. Not all applications are accepted first time around, and that’s because (quite rightly) the screening process is very strict. These training classes will also prepare you for the rejection of a foster child (the child has to want to stay with you), as well as many other elements that will test your emotions, personality and even your relationship with your loved one.

Family and Friend Support

One of the things that social services will take into account is the support you’ll be able to receive from family and friends that are close to you. Being a foster parent can be extremely stressful and emotionally overwhelming at times, and the social services need to know that you’ll be able to count on people you trust to help you out in times of need.

If you don’t have any type of support system in place, whether it’s just you going for lunch with a friend while your partner looks after the child, then things will get too much – every foster parent needs a vent. If you don’t have anyone, then there are support groups put in place by local governments and councils, so there’s always a place to turn.

Patience

Fostering isn’t for everyone, and one of the biggest indicators that you won’t be able to succeed is patience. If you’re not a patient person, and you have the type of personality where you like to see instant results, then you probably won’t be accepted as a foster parent. It takes time to build up a relationship with a foster child, just like it would any other person that you’ve just met, so if you’re not willing to see though the tough times that come with the good times, then fostering isn’t for you. Contact Capstone Foster Care if you would like to know more about becoming a foster parent.

Knowing How To Communicate With The Foster Child

Sadly, there are a large amount of foster children that were physically or emotionally abused by their parents before being put into care. One of the biggest mistakes a new foster parent can make is to assume that that the child is thankful to be out of an abusive home, and grateful to be in a safe and secure environment.

In actual fact, this is not the case, and with many foster children, abuse and emotional neglect is all they know – it’s actually abnormal for them to experience love and attention. This is why you can’t smother a new foster child, and provide them with countless things that they’ve never had. As a foster parent, you’ll need to examine your expectations, and social workers will help you to do this. You’ll rarely see positive results straight away in foster care, however over time you’ll be able to gain the trust of your foster child.

David is a passionate advocate about fostering and adoption and looks to raise awareness when possible.