Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Toodie Goes To The Dentist

Today was Toodie’s first day at the dentist. When I called to make her appointment they told me that I should bring her in to look around and meet the staff before any procedures were done. This was to ensure that she felt comfortable and understood what going to the dentist was all about. I can’t blame them for this idea, I mean some adults are even terrified to go to the dentist! This being said, I took them up on the offer and we headed there after school today. Toodie was nervous and kept telling me she didn’t “like this place.” Once we got into our own room, she spent about 10 minutes looking at EVERYTHING and asking tons of questions. The dental assistant brought Toodie two soft plushies to play with while waiting. One was a clean happy tooth and the other was an angry sugar bug! These lightened the mood and I could tell that Toodie was becoming a little more relaxed about the whole “dentist” idea.

Toodie was VERY curious about all the tools laying around the room. When the dentist entered he handed her the tiny mirror and told her to look inside. She had to be a silly goon and use her squinty eyes.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from our first visit. They told me it was primarily to get her comfortable with the dentist and her surroundings. If there is anything I did know, it was that she was going to LOVE him. He has been our family dentist for years and is one of the most friendly people I have ever met. After a few tickles, jokes, and silly gestures..Toodie plopped in the chair for her teeth count! Boy, did she warm up to him quickly. I thought this was going to be the hard part. Instead it was smooth and painless.

We chatted with the dentist for a bit and learned that Toodie’s bite is a little off causing her jawline to be crooked. Being the paranoid, over-protective, worried Mom that I am I freaked out a little. I expected this because I can tell in photos that her smile is not even. But they re-assured me that this is very common and can be fixed when she turns 6. It was soon time to go, and that mean one thing – a trip to the treasure chest! The best part about going to the dentist is picking out a surprise. This was more of a treasure drawer but it was packed with a bunch of toys, stickers, pencils, and other trinkets. I think this is every kid’s favorite part of visiting the dentist. Toodie went straight for the stickers. I knew these would be stuck on our tile floors hours later!

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Leaving happy as can be, Toodie had a pleasant first trip to the dentist. In a month we will return for her first teeth cleaning. I was very happy that they suggested bringing her in for a “meet & great” prior to her actual appointment. This got all of her jitters and fears out. Now she sees that the dentist is a positive experience! I don’t think I will be pulling any teeth to get her to go the next time ๐Ÿ™‚

BeeSavy iPad GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN.

Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa-Mom is proud to present the The New iPad Giveaway Event, sponsored by BeeSavy.

BeeSavy is the first website to combine comparison shopping with coupons, cash back discounts and referral cash back.

Compare prices on millions of products from hundreds of trusted online stores.

No matter where you shop or what you’re buying, you’ll save $:

I know what I want… but where should I buy it? Search for any product in BeeSavy’s search engine. BeeSavy show you all the stores selling that product along with the total price at each of those stores. The total price includes the list price, tax and shipping costs, cash back discount, and coupon savings.
I already know where I’m shopping… how do I save $? Even for you brand-loyal shoppers, you can save money every time you shop at your favorite stores. Click the Shop By Store button in the top right to get started. First, check for coupons at your favorite store. Next, click through to your favorite store and make a purchase. When you shop online through BeeSavy, you will earn a cash back discount. Your cash back discount will post to your BeeSavy account within 1-4 days. BeeSavy will send you a check or deposit your cash back into your PayPal account once your balance reaches $10.
I don’t know what I want… Now what? You can browse popular products by clicking the Shop by Category button in the top left. You will see the most popular products in hundreds of different categories.

Other BeeSavy benefits for online shoppers:

Trusted retailers only! Unlike other comparison shopping websites, BeeSavy carefully chooses each and every one of its stores to ensure a safe and secure shopping experience. If you ever have a bad experience with a BeeSavy store, please let them know right away.
Feeling generous? Donate your savings to a charity. When you request a cash back payment, BeeSavy gives you the option to donate a portion or all of your cash back to a charity. Just choose a charity and how much you want to donate and they’ll take care of the rest!
Love BeeSavy? Tell your friends and get referral cash back forever. Tell a friend about BeeSavy and you will earn a 40% commission on all of their cash back forever. There is no limit to how many friends you can refer! They even pay you a 10% commission on all of their referrals up to seven levels deep! So this could add up quickly for those of you who like sharing a great deal with others.

BeeSavy benefits for online retailers:

It’s a win-win-win. With most forms of marketing, online retailers must pay upfront with no guarantee of results; however, with cost-per-sale marketing, online retailers only pay BeeSavy when it generates a sale. Online retailers choose a commission rate that fits within their profit margin, thereby ensuring a positive return on their marketing dollars. By giving most of this commission to the purchasing customer as a cash back rebate, BeeSavy utilizes this online retailer marketing method to save its customers money that traditional comparison shopping websites cannot match (due to their cost-per-click revenue model).


One lucky winner will receive an iPad 3rd Generation, 16GB Unit from BeeSavy!

 If you are not already an iPad owner, this is your chance to get it on the fun! You can surf the web, tweet your heart away, catch up with friends on Facebook, play games, and even listen to music. The iPad is extremely versatile and everyone can get great use out of it. Good luck everyone!

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Audiovox Portable DVD Player GIVEAWAY!

Summer travels are here and Audiovox can help you take your favorite family films on the go with you! The DS2058 10.2โ€ณ Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player with Swivel Display has a larger screen for easier viewing, clear picture display, decent sound quality, simple touch button commands and a unique swivel screen for better viewing reach. Watch your DVDs on the road, while camping and even in the comfort of your own home. This is one buy you will be happy to have on your next road trip.

If you have children then I am sure you know how wonderful having a portable DVD player can be. They are great for traveling long or short distances. You can help your little ones stay entertained with their favorite movie to help make the time go by and also keep them distracted! The DS2058 has a large screen monitor and also a convenient swivel screen for viewing within multiple angles.


Audiovox DS2058 10.2โ€ณ Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player w/ Swivel Display
For portable entertainment that is on the move tune into Audiovox. DVDs or CDs. Home or away. Audiovox portable DVD players can provide hours of enjoyment for the family.
Features:

  • 10.2โ€ณ TFT Enhanced Definition Digital Display
  • 5 hour battery time
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • 800 x 480 Resolution
  • USB Slot
  • SD Card Slot
  • Audio/Video Input & Output
  • Disc playback: DVD / CD /JPEG
  • USB/SD Card playback: MP3, JPEG
  • Internal Rechargeable Li-polymer battery
  • Gloss Finish

Includes:

  • Remote Control
  • Built-in Stereo Speakers
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • AC/DC Power Adapter
  • Automotive Power Adapter
  • Instruction Manual
  • Product Registration Card

BUY IT: Purchase the Audiovox DS2058 10.2โ€ณ Enhanced Definition Portable DVD Player w/ Swivel Display from http://store.audiovox.com for $229.99.
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I Received An Award For Best Kid’s Crafts!

A couple of days ago I was contacted by the editor of Craft Corners informing me that I have been awarded with the “Crafting Award!” Young At Heart Mommy was was noticed for having a variety of children’s projects along with easy to follow instructions and photography.
I just wanted to say thank you to Craft Corners for taking the time to recognize my blog and for the recognition. It means a lot to me being noticed for doing something I love with my little girl. 

Toodie Got Mail!

Each day when the mailman arrives Toodie jumps up from whatever she is doing and immediately asks to go check our mailbox. She has a perfect view from the window in her room and she always keeps one eye open for the mail truck. She loves being a helper and bringing the mail in. She loves getting her “own” mail even more..

Today Toodie got her very first, official, piece of mail! Thanks to her grandma she is now a subscriber to the “High Five” Highlights magazine.  “High Five” is especially for children ages 2-6 years old and invites them to explore a world of fun with age appropriate activities.  I remember reading the Highlights magazine when I was a little older than she is now and I thought they were the greatest thing in the world! I could tell she felt special that she now has a magazine to call her own.

The Highlights magazine was just as I remembered, and a bit re-vamped after 20+ years. It was full of simple stories, poems, learning activities, and even craft ideas. Toodie really enjoyed the activities where she was able to spot silly things or search for hidden items within the picture. We both had fun going through all of the pages together and this is her first piece of mail she can look forward to receiving each month.

All this thrill from the mailman’s visit each day gave me the idea to create our own mailbox. I want something that Toodie can access each day and check for herself without asking to go outside and check the mailbox 10 times a day!
I did a little searching on Pinterest & Google for homemade mailbox ideas and came across a few semi-easy projects.
These are mini plain white mailboxes decorated and personalized with the child’s name and photo. I have a ton of scrapbook paper that I could use for the outside and this would be a fun project to allow Toodie to decorate the box herself.

 
I had no idea that a simple cardboard box could be turned into a child size play mailbox! This is too cool. I could easily set this up by the front door and Toodie could drop her mail in it everyday. I really like this idea.
easier looking mailbox :)
This is one of my favorite mailboxes that I found surfing the net. I love the bright colors and polka dots. This would be so cute on the front of Toodie’s bedroom door!
I haven’t decided what type of mailbox to make yet but with so many fun ideas floating around I am sure I have plenty of inspiration. Besides the bills, junk mail, and paper mailers … getting a surprise package makes everyone happy, even for us adults. Do your kids get excited when they see the mailman in front of the house too?

What To Expect When You’re Expecting Giveaway!

A look at love through the eyes of five interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn’t always deliver what’s expected.

This movie was beyond funny and gave you a look into the lives of expecting parents in a variety of situations. I really enjoyed it and the “What To Expect..” series is a must for new parents and existing. The books really do contain everything you need to know through your parenting journey!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting, 4th Edition
Announcing a brand new, cover-to-cover revision of America’s pregnancy bible. What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a perennial New York Times bestseller and one of USA Today‘s 25 most influential books of the past 25 years. It’s read by more than 90% of pregnant women who read a pregnancy book–the most iconic, must-have book for parents-to-be, with over 14.5 million copies in print.
Now comes the Fourth Edition, a new book for a new generation of expectant moms–featuring a new look, a fresh perspective, and a friendlier-than-ever voice. It’s filled with the most up-to-date information reflecting not only what’s new in pregnancy, but what’s relevant to pregnant women. Heidi Murkoff has rewritten every section of the book, answering dozens of new questions and including loads of new asked-for material, such as a detailed week-by-week fetal development section in each of the monthly chapters, an expanded chapter on pre-conception, and a brand new one on carrying multiples. More comprehensive, reassuring, and empathetic than ever, the Fourth Edition incorporates the most recent developments in obstetrics and addresses the most current lifestyle trends (from tattooing and belly piercing to Botox and aromatherapy). There’s more than ever on pregnancy matters practical (including an expanded section on workplace concerns), physical (with more symptoms, more solutions), emotional (more advice on riding the mood roller coaster), nutritional (from low-carb to vegan, from junk foodโ€“dependent to caffeine-addicted), and sexual (what’s hot and what’s not in pregnant lovemaking), as well as much more support for that very important partner in parenting, the dad-to-be.
Overflowing with tips, helpful hints, and humor (a pregnant woman’s best friend), this new edition is more accessible and easier to use than ever before. It’s everything parents-to-be have come to expect from What to Expect… only better.

Everything new parents need to know about the care (and feeding) of an infant, from the authors of What to Expectยฎ When You’re Expecting. Covers monthly growth and development, feeding for every age and stage, sleep strategies that really work.

Filled with the most practical tips (how to give a bath, decode your baby’s crying, what to buy for baby, and when to return to work) and the most up-to-date medical advice (the latest on vaccines, vitamins, illnesses, SIDS, safety, and more).

Reassuring Answers to Hundreds of Questions, including:

  • What’s the best kind of car seat for my newborn?
  • How do I know if my baby’s getting enough to eat?
  • How can I tell if my baby is really sick? When should I call the doctor?
  • Should I sign my baby up for classes?
  • Should I be worried that my baby isn’t crawling yet?
  • How do I cope with my colicky baby?

The only book on infant care to address the physical as well as the emotional needs of the entire family.

What to Expect the Second Year: From 12 to 24 Months
Heidi Murkoffโ€™s What to Expect has delivered again. Announcing the arrival of a brand-new member of the What to Expect family: What to Expect the Second Year. The essential sequel to What to Expect the First Year, with 9.7 million copies in print, What to Expect the Second Year picks up the action at babyโ€™s first birthday, and takes parents through what can only be called โ€œthe wonder yearโ€โ€”12 jam-packed (and jam-smeared) months of memorable milestones (from first steps to first words, first scribbles to first friends), lightning-speed learning, endless explorations driven by insatiable curiosity. Not to mention a year of challenges, both for toddlers and the parents who love them, but donโ€™t always love their behaviors (picky eating, negativity, separation anxiety, bedtime battles, biting, and tantrums).
Comprehensive, reassuring, empathetic, realistic, and practical, What to Expect the Second Year is filled with solutions, strategies, and plenty of parental pep talks. It helps parents decode the fascinating, complicated, sometimes maddening, always adorable little person last yearโ€™s baby has become.

From the first birthday to the second, this must-have book covers everything parents need to know in an easy-to-access, topic-by-topic format, with chapters on growth, feeding, sleeping, behaviors of every conceivable kind, discipline (including teaching right from wrong), and keeping a toddler healthy and safe as he or she takes on the world. Thereโ€™s a developmental time line of the second year plus special โ€œmilestoneโ€ boxes throughout that help parents keep track of their toddlerโ€™s development. Thinking of traveling with tot in tow? Thereโ€™s a chapter for that, too.

Prize Pack bonus includes the What to Expect When You’re Expecting Soundtrack and a $25 Fandango Gift Certificate to send you and your choice of guests to the movies!
Giveaway ends June 9 at 11:59PM EST. Open to the US residents only; must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Enter to win the What to Expect When You’re Expecting prize package below using the rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Young At Heart Mommy is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Fabulous Finds for Fathers Day Sweepstakes May 31-Jun 14

Fabulous Finds For Father's Day Winner Takes All Giveaway (ARV $500)

Do you dread Father’s Day because you can never find the perfect gift? The Collective Media Magic team, Closer To Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, Just Like June, 3 Princes and a Princess 2, and That’s What She Said, have found awesome gifts for any dad. Whether he’s high tech, healthy, or laid back, we’ve got a gift that’s sure to please. Join us and our friends as we make dads feel like a king! 


One Grand Prize Winner will receive a prize pack of the following items valued at approximately $500:



A Linksy EA2700 wireless router Router  with unrivaled speed (value $109) -winner cannot have won a Linksy router in the last six months  

 

A copy of Microsoft 2010 (value $119)





A Cafe Press Gift Certificate (value $50)


A Pair of Shoes from Shoes For Crews – Winners Choice 
(no price limit on the pair of shoes! $100 value)



Plus Work Out Gear (winner’s choice of item)  
and a 
Series of Books For Dads (value $30) 

 The Fabulous Finds For Father’s Day  Event will begin at 12:01 AM May 31st and end at 11:59 June 14th. Contest Open to US only due to company shipping restrictions.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take What You Need..

Last night while I was performing my usual nightly venture into the land of Pinterest, I came across this photo. I couldn’t help but think I saw it for a reason because it encompasses the way I have been feeling lately perfectly. I don’t know why and I still am trying to figure it out but I have had a lot of overwhelming feelings pouring in recently. I can’t even put my finger on what exactly it is.
I always try and look for the positive in life. After everything I have been through, the happy and the sad, this has helped me cope with most of it. In all honesty does anything ever get better when you’re always negative or looking for the worst? I don’t think so.. Therefore this is what I try to do! It’s not always easy but I notice that it has made me a happier person in general.
With being a full time mom, focusing on my school,  my relationship, my friendships, and my family,balancing time for ME can sometimes be hard.  I “need to take” some mommy time. I’m great at multi tasking all aspects of my life but at times i feel very overwhelmed. I miss the care free teenage days when I didn’t have to worry about much of anything. Now that I am an adult, life is a juggling act. There is so much I see in my future but I feel like it is taking forever to get there. I “need to take” a little more patience.

I realize that nobody’s life is perfect. No matter what we see on the outside, someone else out there has it worse than us. Everyone gets stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, cranky, grumpy,and sometimes just NASTY! For me, this is when i “need to take” a CHILL PILL. It’s okay though. It will always pass. I am thankful to have a supportive family who has stood by my side no matter the struggle. A beautiful daughter that thinks i’m a super hero and never fails to brighten my day. An amazing man who loves me, regardless of my faults, has never tried to change me. A best friend who I can sit on the phone or hours with and always knows the right thing to say. I “need to take” more time to appreciate what I have.

Some days I may “need to take” more than others … but that’s okay because I have a ton of people behind me to fall back on. Life is too short to focus our energy on the imperfections. Don’t be afraid to rely on those who love you for a pick me up. One day they may need to take a little too..

Everywhere