We Hit the Lotto Baby!

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Quinn Getting Ready to Sort

Quinn Getting Ready to Sort

Watching my little 19 month old girl master a skill always puts a smile on my face. She often amazes me and catches me off guard with what she is capable of doing. Since Quinn loves playing on my iPad, I downloaded some  apps through iTunes to stimulate her critical thinking skills. One app in particular which is designed to “enhance vocabulary, hand-eye coordination, categorization, concentration and visual perception” is Tiny Hands Children’s Educational Lotto I. The app involves matching puzzle games where the child drags the object on the card to the identical object on the board. Quinn has been playing this game on occasion for about two months, but she mainly just liked to touch the object so that she could hear the name of it and attempt to repeat it. About a month ago, she figured out how to drag the object across the screen, and within the past couple of weeks, she figured out how the drag the object to the one that matches. Though I still like the “old-fashioned” wooden puzzles and activities that have physical objects she can touch, such as sorting the different color bears as pictured above (as does Quinn), I am extremely impressed with the progress my little one has made in a short duration of time and would highly recommend this app for anyone who has a tech savvy baby like mine. Here’s a video of my little girl matching different clothing items:

All the best,

Tanya

Big Baby is Watching!

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Quinn looking at photos of herself

Quinn looking at photos of herself

Though my little girl is only 19 months, she enjoys leafing through the many photos and videos on my iPad. One video in particular that she plays quite frequently is of her walking for the first time at a little under 11 months. She often smiles and points and signals to me or my husband to watch the video with her as she replays this achievement over and over again. Using an iPad has become so natural for her that I should have known what was coming sooner rather than later. On quite a few occasions, Quinn has taken random “selfie” pictures, but the other day, for the first time, Quinn decided that she wanted to film her first video rather than watch. She recorded a 20 second video basically looking at herself. Now that I know what she is capable of doing, I better watch out because my “big baby” girl is watching and just might start filming me. Who knows, maybe I have a future video production professional on my hands!

All the best,

Tanya

Shake Those Maracas Baby!

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Quinn and her musical maracaRegardless of a toddler’s gender, race or culture, it has been my observation that most children love music. There’s something about the rhythm that makes them want to move, jump, spin, giggle: you name it! Since my little girl already loves dancing and music, we have purposely selected some musical toys to encourage her interest. When Quinn was just a year old, we got her the Leap Frog Learn & Groove Counting Maracas, and they are one of her favorite go-to toys. What I love about these maracas is that she is able to practice her counting and colors in both English and Spanish. Though she is only 18 months, she is already saying many of the numbers in order. “Uno, dos, tres…” comes out “oh no, dotes, twes,” but it is too cute to watch her say them. Of course, when I attempt to record her, she will not say her numbers or colors in either language, but I am looking forward to the days when she is eager to share what she knows. If you are looking for a fun musical toy for your toddler that teaches as well, this may be the one for you.

All the best,

Tanya

“Falling” in Love with My Baby

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Quinn Having Fun in the Leaves

Quinn Having Fun in the Leaves

When I was younger, I loved jumping in the leaves, taking in the beautiful reds, yellows and oranges, listening to the loud crunches as I stumped my feet. Though my fun has now shifted to work as I rake up piles of leaves that surround my home, I have managed to fall in love with autumn all over again through my little girl. Initially, she was seated in her trike, but overtime, she made it very clear that she wanted to get out and enjoy nature. As soon I got her out of her trike, she headed for the leaves and could not resist jumping in them and throwing the leaves everywhere. She was absolutely tickled as she tossed the leaves all around her, as was I.  In that moment, I was not thinking about how she was slowing down my progress with getting all of the leaves to their designated area for the leaf collection or the dirt and other germs that might have been in those leaves. I just smiled and thought about how carefree she is and how grateful I am to have her in my life. Quinn continues to leave me in awe, and I am looking forward to more simple yet memorable moments in the near future. Here’s a brief video below that really captures the fun Quinn was having. If only we all could have this much fun playing in the leaves.

All the best,

Tanya

Not Too Little for Chores Baby!

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Quinn ready to do some sweeping

Quinn ready to do some sweeping

Clothing yanked from drawers and tossed any and everywhere by a giddy little toddler. Food mashed and tossed onto the floor when she decides she’s full or just doesn’t like the menu. She takes pleasure in balling up, ripping or drawing on any and all papers she comes across. Sometimes I think Quinn believes it is her job to add to the list of chores her daddy and I have to do to keep our home orderly and clean. When we straighten up, my little girl laughs hysterically as she pulls the pillows off of the sofa that we just neatly placed. Though it can be a challenge at times, her laughter still puts a smile on my face.

Interestingly, a few months ago while I was sweeping, Quinn showed an interest and kept wanting to grab the broom or dust pan. She actually wanted to sweep! At that moment, I wondered, “Is she too young to have a basic chore or two?” For fun, I did purchase my little 17 month old her very own broom and dust pan (actually when she was 15 months). Though she still prefers to use mine, she will eagerly grab her broom to “help” me sweep the floor. Presently, putting away her toys or helping me put away her clothes after she has decided to toss them out of the drawers with wild laughter or closing the door after I have loaded the laundry are some of her chores. I want to not only teach Quinn how to be responsible, but I want her to not dread chores but look at them as a way to bring us closer together as a family. What chores do you have your little toddler doing? Is 17 months too young?

All the best,

Tanya

Let’s Read Baby!

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2014-08-27 11.59.49I’ve always enjoyed reading as a child and remember being so excited to select books at the library, local book store or just off of my personal bookshelf at home. It is my hope that my daughter will have the same level of excitement and have a strong affinity for reading. While my daughter was still growing inside of me, I would read to her and feel her kick every so often as though she was delighted with the story and wanted me to read more. Since she was born, my husband and I to read to her least three or more times a day.

2014-06-11 06.45.09What truly amazes me is for the past few months when my little girl Quinn wakes up, she immediately looks for one of her books as though it is the morning paper and casually yet intently leafs through the pages for about ten to fifteen minutes, sometimes even longer. We all think our children are geniuses or special, and Quinn is no exception. For some reason, Quinn has always known which way to hold a book. No matter how many times my husband and I intentionally giver her a book upside down, she will turn it right side up before she starts “reading.” Occasionally, she will read aloud in her special language eagerly pointing to the pictures and identifying the objects she sees when asked. I just love that my inquisitive little girl is so interested in books and will do all that I can to increase her fondness of them.

The Ultimate Playroom for a Colorful Child: School is in Session!

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2014-07-30 10.23.15bJim Greenman, author of Caring Spaces, Learning Places, says, “Children deserve to spend their days in well-designed environments that support their needs and stimulate their learning.” Though Quinn, my sixteen month old daughter, is not in an early childhood education setting,  she certainly deserves to have an area that is not only rich in play and teaching but a place she can call her own.

I am extremely grateful that my husband and I have accommodating work schedules so that we do not have to put Quinn in daycare; however, there are some benefits that come along with such educational environments. For the past few months I envisioned, designed and set up what I consider to be more than a playroom for Quinn but the ultimate learning environment. This area will be constantly evolving as she continues to learn and grow, but at this point, watching Quinn’s face light up and hearing that giggle every time we enter her room melts my heart. So I thought, why not share some of my playroom ideas with other parents looking to create a special place for their children. You may click on the photo below to enlarge it.

 

PlayroomColors: I envisioned a colorful, fun place that would brighten Quinn’s mood even when she may be a little grumpy but also reinforce learning, so I went with a rainbow. Rather than paint the four walls, I focused mainly on the ceiling and had the rainbow come down one side of the wall with the shelving unit. Sometimes, we actually lie on the floor, which consists of corresponding, colorful, cushy floor mats (purchased through Amazon.com), and look up at the ceiling as she points to the different colors. Quinn enjoys looking at the different size circles and “Quinn’s Playroom” which are actually decals that my sister thought I carefully painted myself (also ordered through Amazon.com).

Toy Storage: Instead of having a traditional toy box, most of Quinn’s toys are on display in a shelving unit purchased at Ikea to encourage her to reach for the ones on the lower shelves and to put them back exactly where they belong. On the lower shelves, I have Ikea storage boxes with the pictures and names of the objects which I added with iron-on labels, to promote reading and sight recognition. I also included a seating area with comfortable Dr. Seuss cushions  I made for adults visiting or activities for Quinn. This area doubles as storage behind the colorful curtains I made with fabric purchased from Joann Fabrics.

 Educational Toys: A playroom isn’t an effective playroom without toys but not just any toys: toys that promote learning, physical and cognitive development. Lakeshore Learning, Beckers as well as Amazon.com were some of my go-to places. Of course, every toy and activity is not for every child, but I do plan on providing follow-up blog entries on which toys Quinn loves and are really engaging her in the learning process.

Though my little Quinn is not in an actual school, I am extremely excited as she starts her first official day of “Mommy and Me Play School.” (and daddy too 🙂

All the best,

Tanya

It’s My Hair, and I’ll Cry If I Want Too Baby!

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An Anomaly: Quinn smiling as she gets her hair done

An Anomaly: Quinn smiling as she gets her hair done

It’s wonderful dressing up little girls! There’s so many cute outfits, pretty little shoes, not to mention the adorable hair accessories. Unfortunately, as cute as the finished product may be, it is no fun for my 13 month old Quinn. She loathes getting her hair washed. As soon as she sees the shampoo she begins to whimper and cry hysterically. Combing her hair, and styling it tends to be a battle as well, but I’ve been doing a little trial and error to make the experience better for the both of us. Maybe you also struggle with doing your little girl’s hair, so this is what occasionally works for me.

1.Singing:  I either sing a children’s song I know she loves, or I have the song playing and sing along. It may not consistently calm her down, but it works about 80 percent of the time.

2. Snack: Even though I don’t want Quinn to associate food with getting her hair done or as a reward for sitting still and not fussing, she is more patient as I’m doing her hair while she is having her snack. If you look at the photo, you’ll see a box in the background containing her snacks.

3. Teamwork: I try to make her a part of the process by letting her hold a brush or comb or to look in her hair accessory box with me to get the items ready for her hairstyle.

4. Eagerness: Though she may not completely understand yet, I talk to her to get her eager and excited about getting her hair done. It works sometimes.

5. Distractions: Anything that can keep Quinn’s attention and distract her while I’m doing her hair is used. It may be “Super Why” or “Thomas and Friends,” a book or small toy she loves.

6. Intervals: Doing her hair in small intervals allowing her to have a break works too. For example, if she has four pony tails, I may do two then give her a fifteen minute break or a little longer, depending on how fussy she is about getting her hair done, then do the other two.

7. Right Products: I make sure to use hair styling products that are gentle on her hair but make it soft and manageable so that detangling her hair does not cause her too much distress.

Do you have a little one who prefers that you leave her hair alone? What works for you when you’re trying to give her an adorable style or to simply wash her hair? Please feel free to share.

All the best,

Tanya

 

A Superhero Party for a Super Girl!

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Super Quinn with her Super Mommy and Daddy

Super Quinn with her Super Mommy and Daddy

Superheros: the theme for my daughter’s first birthday party demonstrated how special she and the children in attendance always will be. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that many companies tend to cater towards “boys,” sending the message that girls can’t be superheroes nor idolize them, but this could not be further from the truth. All children should feel empowered and super special, especially my little girl,  With this in mind, I thought of creative ways to not simply promote the commercialized superheroes but the hero within each child, regardless of one’s gender.

To help out other parents who are eager to put together an unforgettable superhero party for their little girl or just a gender neutral party where all children feel like superheroes, I’ve provided some of the companies and ideas I employed for Quinn’s party.  (All images can be enlarged after clicking on them, and the links to the company web sites are in purple)

Super Quinn InvitationIllustrations: Rather than use existing superheroes, why not make it extra special with a personalized illustration of your child as a superhero? Sandy Ford, of Sandy Ford Design is an awesome illustrator I located through Etsy. She does far more than just illustrations of superheroes in your child’s likeness, and her prices are extremely reasonable. I was able to get an entire party package with the digital invitations, poster, coloring page, thank you card, banner, the iron on for my super mommy t-shirt, etc. for approximately $25. She’s in London and I’m in the US; nevertheless, I received everything electronically within 48 hours, and I certainly will use her services in the future for other illustrations. 

Superhero GirlsI found another company, Clip Artopia, that supplies superhero illustrations at nominal fees, ranging from $2.50 to $5.00 to use as you wish. Since I have a digital design background, I was able to modify some of the illustrations to have them reflect the likeness of the children attending Quinn’s party.

 

 

Super QuinnSuperhero Capes: Though most of the children attending the party came dressed as their favorite superheros, the birthday girl’s outfit had to be original. I located another fabulous company through Etsy, Shooting Kisses, who makes superhero capes with many colors to choose from for toddlers, older children and adults. The cape was a little over $50, and there are many companies to use at a cheaper rate, but it was well worth it. The stitching on the cape and emblem is professionally done, the satin material is high quality, and the cape is reversible.Quinn certainly will be wearing this cape for Halloween or just for fun.

 

Klassi Kreations Superhero CapesYes, I’m one of those “over the top” party planning moms, and I wanted to send the children home with something special as well, so I ordered a party package with capes and matching masks from Klassi Kreations, another Etsy shop. Each set was approximately $15. They arrived ahead of schedule, were good quality and a big hit with all of the children.

SupermommyI also got a little creative and purchased some materials from Joann’s Fabric and made my own cape for the special occasion after following the free instructions for making a superhero cape from Sewing With Nancy. I modified it some to fit an adult, but it is an awesome resource. Just to give you an idea of how easy it was, I created the cape with my arm in a cast from a broken wrist and used “no sew” tape to get it done quickly. (In the picture, you can actually see the cast sleeve I created)

 

 

Super Quinn and Super Mommy

Personalized crown: This little superhero needed a crown to top off her outfit, and Oh So Sweet Creations, another company found through Etsy, was perfect! I was able select the appropriate colors and design with no problem. This company has crowns for many occasions, and I’ll more than likely use them again.

 

 

2014-05-03 13.41.51Personalized Party Supplies: Though I was able to use the banner and other materials from Sandy Ford Design, I was able to take it a step further by personalizing the table center pieces and plates through Birthday Express

 

 

2014-05-03 13.20.22Personalized Birthday Cake: I looked at several specialty superhero cakes which were fabulous but very expensive. Then my husband said, “What about BJ’s; don’t they have birthday cakes?” BJ’s Wholesale actually has really good cakes with butter cream icing, so I was able to take the illustration I got through Sandy Ford Design and have it put on Quinn’s cake. It turned out great!

DIY Projects: Super Hero Shield Superhero Shields: These are relatively easy to find by simply doing a search online, but the quality may not be the best because many of them are at a low resolution. So if you have Adobe Photoshop or another program, you can recreate them if you need a larger size. I was able to make the iron-on shield for my daughter’s shirt as well as some of the party favors.

Superhero Coloring BooksColoring Book: Getting the coloring page from Sandy Ford Design and illustrations from Clip Artopia inspired me to create coloring books for each child. Adobe Photoshop actually has a feature where you can take just about any illustration and turn it into a sketch for coloring.

Superbaby

Tattoos: I was also able to use the illustrations to order special temporary tattoos from Sticker You for the children. This company allows you to upload your own illustrations or to use illustrations they have available. You can also order stickers and other products as well to customize party favors.

 

superquinnand friendsposter 20x30Masks TemplatesParty Games: Rather than pin the tail on the donkey, I customized the game and made it “Pin the Mask on Super Quinn.” I located superhero mask templates and modified them through Adobe Photoshop and printed out a large poster, laminated and mounted it myself.

Another game was a maze for helping Super Quinn get to her cake.

 

2014-04-27 13.34.13Bubbles: Children love bubbles, but I’m sure they love personalized bubbles even more. I used the illustrations provided by Sandy Ford Design and was able to print them out on sticker paper and adhere them to the bubbles I purchased at Target for just $2.00 for six.

 

 

Superhero Place MatsPlace mats: Superheroes have to eat, but sometimes it gets a little messy, so I created customized place mats using contact paper and scrap book paper as a party favor that the children can use long after the party is over.

 

2014-04-27 13.31.17Party Favor Bags: I want the children to always remember how super they are, so I customized superhero canvas bags with iron-on superhero shields and a little puffy paint and glitter for the girls for them not carry around all of there super items and feel empowered.

2014-05-03 14.20.14Party Location: Even though children are able to have fun at a party just about anywhere, if you are in the Philadelphia, PA area and looking for a place that is age appropriate for a one year old up to age ten, Kix and Giggles is awesome.  It is reasonably priced, and you have the option of paying a bit more to make the party private. Though there were additional fees, they made all of the arrangements for Spiderman to make an appearance as well as a face painter. They also have a toddler area which is perfect for younger children.

It certainly was a lot of work planning Quinn’s party, but it was also a lot of fun. I hope that some of the information I provided is helpful for you in planning a superhero party for you child.

All the best,

Supermom aka Tanya 🙂

Wow! My Baby Loves This Cup

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Quinn Wow Cup

Quinn trying out her Wow Cup for the first time after eating her snack

My little girl has been using a sippy cup occasionally since she was four months old, but the big milestone came when she turned one a few weeks ago: no more bottles! On Mother’s Day, we did some window shopping and stumbled upon the “Wow Cup” in Boscov’s “As Seen on TV section.” After reading the label, “from ages one year and up,” I couldn’t resist getting it for Quinn. Oftentimes, we see these infomercials and chuckle at how exaggerated they are and how the product probably doesn’t work, but if you ask me, my husband, my mom and especially Quinn, we’ll tell you the Wow Cup is awesome and left us saying, “Wow, it really works!”

Since Quinn has only drank from sippy cups, some with straws and some without, I was very impressed when I gave her the Wow Cup, and she knew exactly what to do with it. I’m amazed that the company targets mainly older children and makes no mention of how this product is excellent for teaching toddlers how to drink from a cup without messy spillage. Just yesterday, Quinn spent the day with her Nana (my mother), and my mom just raved about the Wow Cup and said that she wishes they were available when I was younger since I was such a “Messy Tessie.” I’m hoping when I go back to Boscov’s that they still have some Wow Cups left where they’re only $10, without the $6.95 shipping and handling fee you’ll incur in ordering it. I just might get one for me too!

All the best,

Tanya