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When it comes to picking a pediatrician, there are lots of factors to consider, and as a parent it’s something you should take seriously. If you’re a healthy adult, you probably don’t have to worry about spending too much time at the doctor, and when you do get sick or need to find care, it’s easy enough to look one up. However, when you’re bringing a little one into the world or moving to a new location, finding a person or practice to care for your little ones should be top priority. The first time I became...

A baby’s first haircut is supposed to be a BIG deal, right? I mean all their “firsts” are something to be celebrated because you know what…they are only going to happen ONCE! Well, I’ve missed out, not once, but TWICE on witnessing either of my boys get their very FIRST haircut. Yes, you could say I’m a little salty about it, because I really do feel some kind of way about missing out on this “first” milestone. I guess I should hold back on the particulars of why I wasn’t “able”...

I’ve tried it twice now…with little enthusiasm shown by the “smashers.” I love this idea, this new innovation if you will – I say that because some 30 years ago when I turned one I did get my stab at cake, but nowadays, it’s becoming even more popularized, by giving a 1 year old their very own little cake to “smash” to mark their first birthday. I know many people go all out with a full photo shoot, revolving around capturing the moment when a rising toddler gets their first crack at a cake....

This past weekend we celebrated my baby boys birthday at the Virginia Zoo! I had originally had a whole ‘nother theme idea to celebrate their joint party, but after we moved and chose the Zoo for the celebration location…it only seemed right to make it a “ZOOper Birthday” bash! My uber creative super designer sister Adrienne whipped up these fun in-theme birthday party invites..I didn’t want anything too “babyish” with the animals and this worked perfect! And — the great thing about having...

Summertime and trips to the beach with the kiddos can certainly make for the perfect family outing… And packing and having the right gear once you hit the sand can make the day that much more FUN! Our favorite time to go to the beach is first thing in the morning. Once we get up and eat breakfast, dress and get ready, we load up the car and head out. Of course this takes some pre-planning, but heading out early (in my house) is key. First, the kids are fresh and ready for the day (less likely to meltdown). Second, it’s so...

I took my boys to an outing at a Petting Farm over the weekend. The Hunt Club Farm to be exact, in Virginia Beach. I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but our day was nothing short of amazing! The kids LOVE animals! My younger baby Isaiah – he turns 1 in 10 days,  had no fear when it came to feeding the goats right out of his hand and petting them. He actually went for it before big brother. We didn’t go inside the goat/sheep area (although you could), but the goats were totally sticking their heads...

There is just something about Fountains, Splash Pads and Bubbles that gets a kid every single time! So if you’re new to this parenting thing…LISTEN UP! Do keep a bottle of bubbles handy in your “bag of tricks,” especially any outdoors outings. We first discovered the bubble magic while taking our son to Gymboree class..where bubble time is built in. Just the awestruck wonder and curiosity is amazing to watch… There’s something so magical and intriguing about bubbles that can stop any meltdown on a...

Download a free Educational Activity Guide featuring Smokey Bar and the heroes from Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue, and help your kids have a leg up on fire safety this summer! FREE Download of Activity Book (17MB) >> CLICK HERE ...

When is your baby not a “baby” anymore? I’ve found myself pondering this question more and more now that my “baby” has taken his first few steps! On the one hand I am more than excited for him to reach this milestone at 11 months old, but on the flip side, I can’t help but be a little sad that my “baby” is racing toward his destiny with becoming a toddler. To be honest, I have 2 babies. Raef will turn 2, while Isaiah turns 1. Potty training is next on Raef’s agenda, with running (away)...

Oh how that phrase has taken on a life of its own. “My Baby Daddy.” Well, in my case it would be plural because we have 2 “babies,” but really this blog is all about him, the man who is the father to our children…he means so much more to me than to ever be referred to as “my baby daddy.” When you’re out in the world meeting people, dating and looking for “the one,” you can never really be absolutely certain what type of parent they will be. Sure, they can say they like children,...