Artwork to Keepsake - Budsies Toy Review and Giveaway

I first came across the concept of turning your artwork into a stuffed creation through a Budsies review from one of our favorite mom bloggers My Strange Family. Budsies is a family-owned business that turns your kids masterpiece into a plush keepsake.

 

Check out the behind the scenes look of how a piece of Mermaid artwork comes to life with Budsies.

 



I personally have struggled with discarding all the beautiful, interesting and confusing things that my kids create but as a parent, you understand how overwhelming it can all get. Now that both kids are in Pre-K they come home daily with a drawing of some sort. I knew that before I could pick out my favorite piece of artwork, I had to order a "selfie" from Budsie of CEOJack and VPBailey. Opening the box and showing the kids was such a highlight!

After receiving our Budsies of #CEOJack and #VPBailey the kids were inseparable from them and after about three months, Jack still sleeps with it every night. I have never seen another product compete with his baby Jack blanket, so I stand impressed. He is beyond attached to his "selfie" and chooses to snuggle with it over Buzz Lightyear or Spiderman.  Bailey took to "herself" just as she would with another doll - usually inviting it to tea parties and welcoming to her doll family. 

Having such an emotional connection to an item is something that Budsies and Baby Jack strive to give our customers. By creating something that brings comfort and smiles, we are spreading love one creation at a time.

 

Together with Budsies, we are giving away 1 FREE Budsies creation and 1 FREE 29x19 educational blanket. We want to make sure that more kids are inspired by creating and grow up to develop innovative products.
 

To enter our giveaway,

LIKE both Budsies and Baby Jack & Co.
TWO Chances to win via the Facebook pages!

SHARE via Google Plus, Facebook and tag us

TAG your friends on the Facebook post

COMMENT with a picture of the artwork you would turn to life!

 

Winner will be chosen on Sunday October 5, 2014

 

Read about Budsies in Parents October 2014 issue

Baby Jack and Company on Shark Tank Commercial

CEOJack and mom Kelley Legler of Baby Jack and Company at Shark Tank

20% off code SHARKTANK

In September CEOJack, VPBailey, my mother in law Nancy and I ventured to Milwaukee's open casting call at the Milwaukee Art Museum and we had the pleasure to audition for Shark Tank Season 6. It was a fun and thrilling experience that turned into a lot of press and open doors for Baby Jack and Company. We are still in talks with producers and are trying to grow our business more before pursuing in 2015.

Season 6 of ABC's Shark Tank kicked off Friday September 26th and the brands, entrepreneurs and Sharks stepped up their game. This has been extremely exciting watching and rooting for people we have met along the way on our Shark Tank adventure.  20% Off with code SHARKTANK

Upon completing the two hour premiere episode my phone and Facebook account were beeping with message alerts. I was prompted to turn my attention to the Shark Tank commercials and there WE ARE - ON TV! ABC Shark Tank put together a commercial about this year's casting calls sponsored by US Cellular called Casting on Main Street with a #shadowSharkTank sweepstakes.

 

 

Upon checking out the www.shadowSharkTank.com website, I noticed that many others from the casting process in Milwaukee were featured on the site, along with Jack and I again on the Perfecting the Pitch video.



 

 

Never in my life did I envision pursuing this Shark Tank audition process. I wanted to grow my business organically and word of mouth but after being there with the casting directors and crew - along with the spirit of entrepreneurs it has brought my focus to drive for more success. It was such a fun experience that our family business will remember.

 

Stay tuned for more Shark Tank updates as we continue to chat with casting directors for early 2015.
Shop our sensory baby tag blankets online and get 20% Off with code SHARKTANK.


Chompy Chic Chewlery Review and Giveaway with Baby Jack & Company

Yellow Gray Chewlery and Baby Jack lovey

As any mom prepares for a teething infant, I gathered the Orajel, frozen teething rings, Sophie the Giraffe, and last but not least, our Chompy Chic Chewlery. Kelley, the mom-inventor behind Baby Jack & Co.,  introduced me to this company. Baby Jack is one our baby "must-haves," so I knew she would be right on in her recommendation!

Never having heard of this company, I didn't know what to expect, but we received our teething toy in the mail on Saturday. Sonia, a #Chicago native and #Wisconsin resident mama of two young boys, started Chompy Chic Chewlery - catchy right!?- with the intent of beautiful teething necklaces being affordable for everybody. Chewlery ranges from $10-$35. She has been in business for a little less than a year, and has a winning product already!



Beco Baby Carrier with Chompy Chic Chewelry

Chompy Chic Chewlery products are adorable, to say the least. Cute colors, durable, and soft, BPA-free rubber beads and elephant toy for my little one to chomp on in which #babyMacie certainly did indulge in her chewelry. We attached to it to one side of the Beco Butterfly baby carrier and her Baby Jack lovey on the other side, and off we went. I love the easy snap-on connector, beautiful and modern color combinations, along with the safety & functionality of the toy.

Chompy Chic has an assortment of full size necklaces for moms to accessorize when they are not #babywearing.  I noticed that Kelley (owner of Baby Jack & Co.) kept hers to add pops of color to her dress and she doesn't have babies! Now that I see how durable and affordable these products are, I am looking to buy a full size necklace for myself. Browse their etsy shop for more Chompy Chic Chewlery--it is a must have for any mom. Beautiful, functional, and reasonable--the essence of motherhood.



Chompy Chic are accessories for Mom and teething products for baby

Enter to WIN a Chompy Chic Chewlery necklace for you and a friend along with one of the NEW #educational #Elephant loveys by Baby Jack!

1) Like Chompy Chic and Baby Jack & Co. via Facebook
2) Locate the Facebook post on Baby Jack and do the following:
         LIKE the post - this is how we pick a random winner
         SHARE by tagging your friends in comments (they will win if you do!)
         COMMENT with your favorite products from Baby Jack & Chompy Chic
         *hint, look on our websites!

Winners for US Domestic shipping only. Must be a fan of both Facebook pages. 1 Winner and their friend will be revealed on following Sunday after validated. Winner to contact social@babyjackblankets.com

If you have a baby / child product that you would like us to review and offer to our fanbase, contact Ashley@babyjackblankets.com

Otteroo - Baby Water Floatation Review by Baby Jack

Our team member and review expert Ashley was recently asked to test out the new Otteroo baby floatie with her daughter #babyMacie, our #babymodel for Baby Jack & Co.

Otteroo is a floatation for babies that offers a positive transition from mommy's tummy to the bath. Babies become more confident in the water, and intuitively start to practice arm and leg water movement. The buoyancy and physical freedom that otteroo provides promote movement coordination, muscle strength and mobility.

Otteroo is a safe product made from toxin-free plastic and has a new cushioned chin rest with rounded smooth edges to avoid all discomfort for your baby.

 

Macie is genuinely a happy baby but this product proved to be a baby favorite as she was elated to be swimming in the bath water floating in her Otteroo. She had no restrictions and could stretch out which differs from mother's womb. This is a great developmental tool that helps mobility in little limbs.

The set up was a two person job as Macie disliked the process of attaching the floatie around her neck. Both her parents were skeptical but were immediately comforted upon seeing her happiness after being placed in the water. The Otteroo's cushioned chin rest poses no threat to baby and as always, children need to be monitored while playing in water.

 

Otteroo is parent tested, baby loved and pediatrician approved. The otteroo is designed for infants starting at 8 weeks old (9+ lbs). The interior flexible rim will comfortably expand a
s the infant grows and she will be able to enjoy her otteroo for a long time (up to 35 pounds)! Completely comfortable, otteroo promotes mobility, sense of discovery and water familiarity!
Retails for $35

 

Want to WIN an OTTEROO?
Ways to win:

LIKE Baby Jack & Co & Otteroo
SHARE this by pressing the little FB icon at the bottom of BLOG
TWEET this by pressing the little Twitter icon at the bottom of BLOG
Recommend this via Google Plus by clicking the G+ icon on bottom of BLOG
COMMENT on our blog with what your favorite part of being pregnant was
Tag some friends on our FB post

 

Winner will be validated and chosen at random on Wednesday evening by Baby Jack & Co.

 



Back to School

It's hard to believe that CEOJack of Baby Jack & Co. will be attending kindergarden this year. He has accomplished so much with our business this past year, it baffles me that he is still so young.

As our business has grown, CEOJack and VPBailey have been involved in business operations and decision making. They assist with product development, quality control and marketing yet Kindergarden scares the Rock a Thigh Baby Socks off of us. CEOJack is leaving me (mom Kelley) for 5K and it's time for VPBailey to step up and run things.

To prep our kids for kindergarden and 3K we dabbled in some great educational and learning products over the summer, all CEOJack and VPBailey approved.

 Many of them can be used throughout the school year too!


Parking Pal Car Magnet - this has been a life saver (literally) for when we drop our kids off at school. To ensure that nobody is running into traffic, both kids "high five the car" and wait for mom to take their hands. Parents are typically running late to drop off and it keeps my kids safe and within my reach.

Leapfrog Alphazoo Spinner - Press and spin your way to reading skills. This helped Jack learn and spell out his letters and kept Bailey entertained with animal sounds!


Easy Daysies Magnetic Schedule for Kids - both my kids are very scheduled and react good to routine. We live by our calendar as we always have personal and business fun planned. This is a great tool to keep kids on track and make sure they accomplish their daily tasks by seeing pictures of what they need to do. It's also a great reading tool so kids can associate words with pictures.

Crocs - Both of my kids have been wearing crocs since they could walk so it is a must to get a new pair for after school activities. Whether they are playing on the playground, soccer practice or just riding their bike around, they are wonderful to have on hand and kids love them since they do not need mom's help to slip on.

Kid O A to Z Magnatab - During our travels to San Diego, we visited with toy store Gappetto's and found this to bring back to the kids. Since April it has been a hit and a great way for Jack and Bailey to learn how to properly draw their ABCs with the bead filled magnetic board. They even have a lower case, cursive and shapes / numbers version too
!  A must have for any parent.

Skip Hop Zoo Pack - The favorite thing to do for back to school is picking out their very own backpack. It shows independence and you never know which personality will shine through with this decision. VPBailey chose the Lion backpack from Skip Hop (assuming because of her Lion King obsession). These backpacks are adorable and are a must for any preschooler.

Spbang reusable lunch bags are our family's go to for snacks. Now that Jack is away at school and eating cold and hot lunch, it is nice to be able to provide a health snack in a durable and waterproof bag. It is easy for the kids to open with it's tabbed arrow and has a place to write their name!

No Dust Chalk and and Mat by Jaq Jaq Bird - Any parent knows how dirty chalk is and how much kids love to write with it. This was another purchase from my San Diego visit at the Kids Expo - it was flying off the shelves since it literally does not leave a mess. My kids have been drawing on their roll up chalk mats and it is easy clean up. Also a great way to keep them entertained when out to eat!


Baby Jack & Co. ABC - 123 Educational Sensory Lovey - We couldnt leave off our ABC blanket that CEOJack and VPBailey inspired me to create. It's a perfect item for back to school or day care as it serves as a form of security while away from parents. With the modern primary colors it is stimulating for kids and also teaches them the alphabet A-Z on a custom ribbon tab, numbers 1-10 and shapes. These sensory items are also sold for therapeudic purposes for kids with special needs.

Brain Quest Workbook Kindergarden - Thankfully this book kept our family on track during the busy days of summer. It's a workbook that is engaging with hundreds of curriculum-based activities, exercises and games in every subject. Learning didnt feel like pulling teeth with this book!

Today I Ate a Rainbow - Now that school will be starting, I need to get my children on track to eating healthier. One product I have been eyeing up is Today I Ate A Rainbow, healthy eating games and nutrition plans for kids. Also a great way to learn colors for preschoolers!

Baby Jack feeds the Sharks of Shark Tank for Open Casting Call in Milwaukee

I am elated that US Cellular would bring Shark Tank Casting Calls to #Milwaukee. They sponsored this year's open casting and having it in our backyard at the Milwaukee Art Museum made this mom's audition with kids in tow an easy task, less of a frenzy and a beautiful view. Why not!?

My friend informed me about Milwaukee Shark Tank open auditions last week, she saw a post on WISN 12 regarding the opportunity and emailed me immediately. Last time open casting was in the Midwest, Chicago, I had a charity conflict. Can you imagine my face knowing it was 15 minutes away!?

I didn't have a lot of time to prep - mentally. I was flying to NYC with my mom and mother in law for a business trip - we were attending a VIP baby shower for bachelorette Ashley and JP (we created a custom blanket for them) and used this opportunity to explore the city. On the roundtrip flight, I filled out my 24 page application equipped with essays about how we came up with the idea, our growth and our business plan. Printing the 24 pages the night before and getting a good night sleep for myself (and kids) was the plan, then we were off!

The day for me starting out at 6AM, per usual. I received a text from two amazing friends that they secured my place in line at 5:55AM. They got #073 in line for me and we were able to get in the doors first round of pitching! Thank you Julie and Karen. Bailey was dropped off at a play date in the AM and we drove downtown.

I arrived with Jack and my mother in law Nancy around 8AM and packed some goods to keep Jack entertained, i.e. Angry Birds, Cheese crackers and a bottle of water. He was content!

CEOJack of Baby Jack & Co. waiting in line

Once the doors opened and they had us sit in the WADING ROOM, instructions were given. Bring your A game, personality and smile. Be yourself and show your passion. Check and check. I know my product and feel confident that I have been successful, the only thing that I was unsure about was Jack. Would he talk? Would he contribute? Smile? Throw a tantrum?  Kids are unpredictable and I just had to go with the flow and not really have any expectations.

The producers and casting of Shark Tank ABC were beyond accommodating. They were literally excited for you, cheering you on and wanted to know about your story. I was sought out while standing in line as they must have known about my business from social media. They asked about my product, my pitch and where we want our business to go. I tend to send random tweets and hash tag like crazy and we also we received some great mentions / coverage from WISN prior to the audition so I assume that is how they heard of us.

Inside I was approached by casting and asked if they can film the entire pitch. Sure, of course (I thought they did that anyway). They then asked if I could return for a post pitch interview - with the kids. Naps were essential (for me too!) so I set it up for 3pm. Knowing that I had kids, they kindly bumped me to pitch #26 instead of #73. Amazing right!?

The pitch literally is a room of 5 tables. Five brands walk in, move to an open table and pitch...in under 90 seconds. The crew is energetic and they made it comforting to talk. We were done until 3PM.

Want more Baby Jack Co. and Shark Tank? See our interview on WISN12 and Metroparent

 

BACK TO THE TANK...3PM we returned to the Milwaukee Art Museum for a post pitch interview. I figured it was an opportunity to talk about being an entrepreneur, building business and balancing it all. This time, my daughter #VPBailey (3 years old) came with.  En route downtown, Jack was prepping her about Shark Tank and how you "do not actually touch Sharks" and that you "talk about blankets, take pictures and that's it." said Jack. "It's not hard. You can do it Bailey". 

The post interview was in front of cast and crew - a screen with lights and I was given a mic and makeup touch ups. Jack and Bailey also adored getting touch ups and the extra attention. I pitched again, on camera, answered a few questions and the day was complete. Genuinely kind LA cast worked with us Midwesterners and made the day a memorable one. Thank you ABC Shark Tank!

 



#VPBailey and #CEOJack pose in front of the Shark Tank sign

 

It's a waiting game. We should find out this week if they want to see Baby Jack & Company again!

Until then, enjoy 20% off all items on our website with code MILWAUKEE

A Must Have to Keep My Kids Safe: Parking Pal Magnet

I have one mom to thank for keeping #CEOJack and #VPBailey of Baby Jack Blankets safe from harm when I park my car. Denise Whitney is the mom inventor and owner behind the Parking Pal Magnet; a magnet that the kids find at the rear of the car and stay put while I get out the stroller. It has become our norm.

You know what it's like when traveling with kids: chaos and excitement when getting out of a car. One tries to compete with the other and "win". They do not understand risk and often are careless. This car magnet is a repetitive process for our family and encourages them to learn along with being safe. Each child exits the vehicle and puts their hand on top of the hand print design - waiting for me to get out the stroller.  I can breathe knowing they are not going to be running amuck in a parking lot with moving cars.

Honestly, I was a skeptic that the coolness of the Parking Pal Magnet would wear off, just like chore charts and Disney jars do in my home. I assumed my kids would be interested at first and no follow through. It has been about eight months and they still actively use the Parking Pal Magnet and my blood pressure is lower because of Denise and her thoughtfulness to keep kids safe from harm. It goes to show how much I like this product when I was in a panic to find someone wrongfully stole them from my car; Denise immediately sent me two more.

The Parking Pal Magnet comes in eight fun colorful magnet designs and retails for $8.99. Recently they were featured on Buzzfeed too!

Baby Jack Blankets and Parking Pal Magnet have teamed up for an amazing giveaway. Our followers have a unique opportunity to win one of each product! Two winners per giveaway. To enter, LIKE their Facebook page, Share this blog post and comment on our Baby Jack Blankets FB post about why you think you need this product!

This review and giveaway is approved by #CEOJack, #VPBailey and Kelley of Baby Jack Blankets

11 Ways to Wear Your Cover My Heart Nursing Cover

1 scarf - 11 designs. Inspired by fashion, designed for you!

Cover My Heart is the only nursing scarf you will need to buy after seeing the versatility that this mom invented product offers.

 

CoverMyHeart Breastfeeding style is the new trend-setter in the retail marketplace to fit the needs of nursing moms. Their new nursing scarf design is all about style with breathable chiffon covering both front and can be worn 11 different ways keeping it fresh, trendy and innovative. Designed to be worn yet small enough to fit in mom's purse perfect for on-the-go mom's. No matter what nursing cover mom chooses, CoverMyHeart is designed for breastfeeding success.

To celebrate Mother's Day, Baby Jack Blankets and Cover My Heart are partnering to give fans an opportunity to win one of these fashion forward scarves. It's a perfect baby shower / new baby gift for moms and moms to be.

 

 

 

Mom Inventor April Marcial

Cover My Heart brand was created by April, a Certified Lactation Consultant specializing in assisting new moms with the education and benefits of breastfeeding.  With three kids of her own, she wanted to invent a product that can be used in different ways and not appear to be a breastfeeding product. It's a fashionable, multifunctional product and a must have for anyone expecting a baby.  

 

To enter to win:

LIKE Cover My Heart on Facebook

WATCH their new commercial below

COMMENT on our blog OR Facebook post with how you'd wear your very own nursing scarf by #CoverMyHeart

 

BONUS***

Our friends at Milkin' Cookies are donating samples of their lactation cookies to our 2 lucky winners!

In addition to wholesome nuts, berries, and wheat flours, Milkin' Cookies contain key ingredients called galactogogues--foods known to boost lactation. I personally tasted them at the San Diego Family & Kids expo and they are delicious! LIKE Milkin' Cookies on Facebook too!

 

Post by Cover My Heart.

 

 

 














 

SoapSox Bath Time Fun Review & Giveaway

Since I became a mom inventor, I have come across some amazing brands and people. Recently, I was introduced to Alvin and Ray from SoapSox, a plush bath time tub toy that has a pocket for a bar/liquid soap. It makes bath time fun for kids and allows them to easily wash themselves.

These products are great but so is the brand and marketing concept comparing to the competitors. Each character is uniquely designed with a child in mind having its own personality and identity. Having an actual foam/plush toy in the tub vs. a washcloth with a head makes the experience more realistic and interactive. Also, they dry overnight! No more crusty, dry washcloths to deal with!

CEOJack received Tank the Shark to test and VPBailey received Taylor the Turtle. Lately Jack has not been interested in bath time but since seeing that he can play with his new Shark and wash himself, there was no fight tonight. He is now 5 and is steering away from baths with his sister but since bringing home our SoapSox, he was excited to get Tank in the tub. 

Bailey of course took to Taylor the Turtle instantly and wanted to scoop up Tank the Shark as well. She is my fish out of water and will play in a bath/pool for hours if I let her. I am contemplating purchasing the entire line for bath time fun as well as a great pool toy too.

SoapSox are CEOJack and VPBailey approved, also a must have by mom. We all need a little bit more help in making bath time more fun and I am happy to introduce you to Alvin and Ray with their latest collection of bath tub friends.

Today through Wednesday, SoapSox will be giving away FREE products to THREE lucky winners for fans of Baby Jack Blankets. Simply enter via our Rafflecopter below. If you cannot wait to win and are eager to buy, visit http://soapsoxkids.com today.



In order to enter to win, there are 5 optional entries:
LIKE Baby Jack Blankets via Facebook
LIKE SoapSox via Facebook
PIN this giveaway via Pinterest
COMMENT via our Facebook post with your favorite SoapSox and who you would give it to
SUBSCRIBE to our Baby Jack newsletter
ENTER officially here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Jack sharing Freshly Picked Moccasins

Today is Mom Invented Monday and I have the pleasure of a wonderful giveaway from Susan Peterson of Freshly Picked. Susan has grown her popular mocc business through the power of social media and as a mompreneur myself, I take my hat off to her.

PR and marketing are a tricky trade and being able to build a brand based off of interaction and engagement takes talent. Freshly Picked as a company is a chic, modern and a great addition to the baby product business with high quality moccasins. Oh the places this business will go!

Bailey and Jack love their FP moccasins and Baby Jack is excited to giveaway a FREE pair to one lucky winner along with their choice of a baby sensory lovey.

To enter to WIN - SHARE this blog post via Twitter, FB, Pinterest and then enter the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Giving Back Comfort

Baby Jack Blankets chooses to contribute to a select group of children's organizations providing comfort where it is needed. In the past, we have contributed to Autism Speaks, Celebrate the Military Child, The Special Olympics, Healing Hailey, Go Bright Pink and more.

This year, our 2014 selected charity is March of Dimes, and specifically Friends of Maddie. Maddie is the daughter of Heather and Mike Spohr from top blog The Spohrs are Multiplying and this non profit was created in hopes to assist families with babies in the NICU after she was born on November 11, 2007 at 26 weeks and 6 days; over 11 weeks premature. Maddie's lungs were left scarred due to her prematurity and became an angel unexpectedly on April 7, 2009 after coming down from a severe respiratory infection. Friends of Maddie was established to tribute to this beautiful little girl and the light that she brought into the world.

Join Baby Jack to help raise awareness and support Heather Spohr while she joins March of Dimes on April 26 to March for Babies. Up until April 26, for every lovey purchased from our website, Baby Jack will donate an item to Friends of Maddie to include in their Family NICU packs bringing comfort to many babies born pre-term.  Shop online and on the CART page, click on the Friends with Maddie option to ensure that a donation is sent.

 

Show this family, and many more that they are in your thoughts. Their struggles have not gone unnoticed and that their strength is admirable. Let's all March for Babies in any way we can.

 

When you donate or walk in March for Babies, you give hope to nearly half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. March of Dimes have been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2.3 billion to benefit all babies.

 

 

So long my baby girl...

I get extremely emotional when my kids hit a milestone that turns them from baby to big kid. Transition out of the crib into bed, potty training and currently saying goodbye to the nuk turned me into a sobbing lady. I can't handle how fast they grow but it amazes me how proud they stand when they make this giant little leap.

My kids are MAM paci kids since birth. Along with their blankets, it has been the only thing that would calm them down besides mama. When Jack had to let go of his pacifier, he didn't flinch. We told him strictly that if you bite it, you have to toss it. The day before Bailey's first birthday, he bit his last nuk. He tossed it and moved on. It worked out great because we were going to take it away the following week and blame the dentist! But Bailey is a rough and tough little girl who is opinionated as they come and gets what she wants.

Today started out as her being attached to her nuk since waking. I informed her that she would get to pick out a new stuffed bear and she was going to turn into a big girl and put her paci inside the bear. *Side note: we cut the end of the pacifier and told her she broke it so it was easier to part with. We peaked at the Build A Bear website and she got excited for all the choices that she had as a new home for her nuk.

The Build A Bear store was a madhouse -per usual- but she was adorable to watch. She knew that she did not want a bear, she is after all a horse/elephant/giraffe/puppy girl. Never does she pick out a teddy bear.

Her pick was the My Little Pony Princess Twighlight Unicorn; a great choice because she could comb her hair! Waiting patiently in line, Bailey gave one last goodbye to her baby soother and stepped right up. Stomping on the stuffer, watching her new friend grow and choosing which foot to put the paci in simply made her giddy. When Twilight was complete, she was able to wash her, brush and bring her home. It was amazing to see Bailey make all these choices herself.

When we arrived home, she was spent. Reality set in as nap time approached that her nuk was gone. She asked for another one - then demanded and I almost gave in because seeing her in distress simply pains me. I sat with her and rubbed her back as she screamed NO BIG GIRL. MY NUK until she calmed and I left her alone to fall asleep. It was a short nap, but she made it through without her nuk!!

The rest of the day we continued to keep her busy and do "big kid things" like going to Stonefire Pizza where there are bounce houses, bowling lanes, slides and a mini roller coaster. We kept cheering her on and telling her how big she was and all the kids around her didn't have nuks.

As we speak, she is in bed - holding Princess Twilight Pony tightly - with her Baby Jack Blanket in hand and singing herself to sleep and I am here realizing that these transitions are much more hard on the moms.