Two Year Old Birthday Party and Present Ideas

Today is my sweet little Isabella 's second birthday, although we celebrated it on Saturday! She's at an age where celebrating a birthday party (or any party) is so much fun. And the best part is it really doesn't have to cost you hundreds of dollars to get those precious little giggles, hugs, and I love you's!

So where do you start? Well...having four kids, I've had a lot of experience planning a two year old birthday and I have learned a lot in the process. I've gone from spending a lot of money and inviting every friend and their child, to just having a simple birthday celebration with immediate family. All worked out well. But from a two year old's perspective, all they wanted was to open up a present, eat some cake and ice cream, play with a balloon or two, and then run around and play.

Below are a few suggestions to start with. Have fun and take lots of pictures!

1. Pick a theme. We did Minnie Mouse this time. It was a toss for Elmo or Minnie and because she's a little girl, I thought the Minnie toys and theme would last longer. In the past, I've done Thomas the Train and Disney Princesses. All still a huge hit in my house! With Thomas the Train, I used blue paint tape to create a train track around my house. Then I turned on the song, Locomotion by Kylie Minogue. The kids had a blast dancing and marching to the song around the track. This time, we sang Happy Birthday a few times, opened up her presents, ate some cake and ice cream, and then headed outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.
    
   
2. A matching themed cake is always fun. But truthfully, it doesn't matter what the cake looks like as long as it has some fun kid colors on it and has a candle on top. I couldn't find a Minnie cake that I liked, so instead, I ordered a Disney princess pink cake from the local grocery store and asked them to hold off on the cake toppers, saving me $8. I put a pink kids ring on it. She loved licking and wearing the ring. You can also use small toys that you find online or at local stores. Once I ordered Mario Bros. small toys online and used them as cake toppers.
3. Location doesn't have to be anywhere, but your home. They truthfully could care less. All they want is to be with you, open a few presents, and eat some cake and ice cream. We celebrated Isabella's birthday party at our house with immediate family. I've had friends who have gone to Chuck E Cheese. In my opinion, why spend hundreds of dollars now. They really are content with having a small party at your home with people they know.
4. Balloons are a must. And all you need is one helium balloon for the birthday boy or girl. But if you have other kids at your house, I always order enough, so each child can take a balloon home with a little treat tied to it as their gift bag.
    
   
5. Entertainment is always a fun thing to add. It can be as simple as music, which is all we did this time. And then we headed outside to ride her first tricycle, which is all she really wanted to do. It was one of the most relaxing and fun birthday parties that I could have planned. You can also hire a clown. But again why invest a lot of money right now. I'd go this route when your two year old is three or four. Instead, buy some some stickers, tatoos and face paint, which isn't that expensive. Then play some fun hip hop music and add an outdoor game. That's all you really need.
    
   
6. The best time for the party is an hour or two before your child's nap or right after they wake up. We had ours at 4:00 pm. She napped from 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm. This gave me time to decorate and get everything ready.
7. You don't have to go overboard with presents. Two year olds are happy with a handful of presents. The fewer the better, so they don't get overwhelmed. This year we got Isabella the following gifts:
1. Minnie Stuffed Toy: I purchased a three foot Minnie at Cosco for $19.99. It was perfect! Minnie is now eating breakfast, lunch and dinner with us. LOL
2. Doctor kit: Isabella loves checking to make sure all of her stuffed toys and dolls are healthy. We purchased a Doc McStuffins doctor bag toy from Target. This is her favorite toy! The stethoscope lights up and talks. It is so darn cute. The only thing is the bag is useless. Top won't stay on.
   
3. Minnie plate, bowl and cup set.  I found one at Target. 
    
   
4. Tricycle and helmet: I found one online at Toys R Us. Toys R Us was having 20% off toys and free shipping. I was able to get her a Disney Princess tricycle with matching helmet.
   
8. Other birthday present ideas:
1. Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag 
    
2. Stroller so they can stroll around their baby
3. Tent or plastic house they can go in and play
4. Table and chair set
5. Art easel  
6. Plastic outdoor folding slide
7. Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster (this was my three oldest kids favorite toy!)
    
   
 
8.  Picture books like Goodnight Goodnight Goodnight Baby Blue (Splatter and Friends) 

Enjoy this special time, have fun, and remember to take lots of pictures!

Enter Melissa Productions October Children's Chapter Book Giveaway

 

I'm excited to be giving away one of the sweetest, funniest Wunderkind Family children's books - Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel): The Tale of the Slimy Spitball, one month before Madison and GA's next story - Tale of the Messed Up Talent Show- is available for sale!

This comically illustrated, modern-fantasy children's chapter book is the second book in the Wunderkind Family children's chapter book series.

Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel) stories teach children that they don't have to be perfect. Even Madison's guardian angel isn't. Every story will share at least one learning lesson such as bullying, friendship, and responsibility. In Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel): The Tale of the Slimy Spitball, Madison once again gets blamed for something she didn't do, a common theme that keeps popping up in her life.

Since Madison was born, her guardian angel has been right by her side, spilling her milk and doing silly kid-stuff. But now that Madison is ten years old, her parents and teachers think it’s time for her to start acting like a big girl, which means she needs to stop blaming her imaginary friend for everything that goes wrong. And that is exactly what Madison has been trying to do. But what everyone doesn’t know is Madison’s imaginary friend is a real life sassy, childish (yet very loyal and loving) guardian angel named GA. GA's job is to protect Madison and teach her important stuff so she can earn feathers for her wings and one day fly. Not simple for an angel who seems to always be misplacing her halo and getting herself into mischief, leaving Madison to take the blame.

In the Tale of the Slimy Spitball, Madison finds herself in the principal's office again. This time she's being accused of spitting a slimy spitball at this kid Zach on the school bus. Find out who really spit the spitball? Will GA earn a feather for her wings? Or will Madison take the blame again?

The Wunderkind Family series is a collection of humorous, modern-fantasy stories, each told by one of the four whimsical Wunderkind sibling characters, about what it’s like growing up as a kid with extraordinary abilities in the small town of Boring Brook. (Target age: 6 – 12 years old)

This giveaway is open to USA and International entrants. (I'm able to send an autographed copy to USA entrants, but at the present time, not able to do the same for International entrants).

ENTER Below to Win a Copy of

Madison and GA (My Guardian Angel)

The Tale of the Slimy Spitball

 

 

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Diabetes - The Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2

As many of you know, I'm a mom, raising a daughter with type 1 diabetes. Nothing about this disease has been fun. And what I've found over the past two years is that people think that type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. They are not!

 

Type 2 diabetes is a result of people not taking care of themselves. Their pancreas produces insulin (sometimes just not as much), but their body no longer absorbs it. Their body has become insulin resistent. Insulin resistence can be caused by being overweight, having high blood pressure for a long period of time, and even a person's genetic make-up. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising, weight control, and eating healthy. Today, type 2 diabetes makes up about 90 - 95% of diabetics and most type 2 diabetics are over the age of 40 years.

 

With type 1 diabetes, a person's pancreas no longer produces insulin, a result of something (i.e. virus) that attacked the insulin producing beta cells of their pancreas. The most difficult part of someone having type 1 diabetes is that no one knows what destroyed their insulin producing cells. Today, there isn't a cure and it can't be delayed. The most common age for the onset of type 1 diabetes is 5 to 7 years old. It's known as a child and young adult disease.

 

My type 1 diabetic daughter is thin, healthy, and active. She plays sports and eats healthy. Supposedly, she got a virus which attacked the beta cells of her pancreas, killing them. She now is 100% insulin dependent. Her pancreas cannot produce insulin, but can absorb it if given. This disease is considered an autoimmune disease.

 

The highs and lows a type 1 diabetic has is a constant juggling act. The weather, their stress level, their emotional state, and their health all impacts their blood sugar. It’s not just food that a type 1 diabetic has to worry about. It’s everything they do and feel. A simple pill won't fix their problem. Exercising, losing weight, and eating healthy won't cure them or delay their illness. Every day, until their is a cure, they have to have insulin shots or wear an insulin pump which is attached to their body. And six to ten times a day they have to check their blood sugar by pricking their fingers to prevent and better manage their highs and lows.

 

Trying to predict how a change in a type 1 diabetics lifestyle will affect their blood sugar is like trying to predict the lotto. Just yesterday, my daughter's blood sugar was 56 at school. She had just come in from recess which burned off some of her blood sugar. Normally, you would give her a 15 carb juice and some protein to raise her blood sugar, and then check it again in 15 minutes. But Madison's scenario was a little different. She had eaten lunch about 45 minutes earlier, so she had insulin still in her body (2 units), processing all the carbs she had eaten for lunch. The teacher and nurse were trained to take into account the insulin on board, meaning give her enough juice and protein to cover the insulin that her insulin pump said she still had in her body so she didn't drop more.  But for Madison, her body works differently. The insulin on board was still processing the carbs. Her body works slower than other type 1 diabetics when processing certain carbs. When Madison got home, her blood sugar was 351. They had given her way too much to eat and drink.

 

The above scenario is constant in a type 1 diabetics life. Every thing they do, feel and eat affects their blood sugar, causing them to have to constantly stay on top of their blood sugar by checking it every two to three hours. There are minutes during the day where we haven't a clue why Madison's blood sugar is dropping or why it is all of a sudden high.

 

Differences between type 1 and type 2:

• Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, delayed and even cured if they start eating healthier and exercise. Type 1 cannot be cured today.
• Type 2 diabetes can happen at any age. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults. Like I mentioned earlier, the most common age for the onset of type 1 diabetes is 5 to 7 years old.
• Some type 2 diabetics don't need medicine. Some need to take pills daily. And some do need insulin shots. With type 1, all have to take insulin shots or wear an insulin pump.
• People with type 1 diabetes have to manage their highs and lows by checking their blood sugar 6 to 10 times a day, depending on their activity level and daily events.
 

Similarities between type 1 and type 2:

• Both can lead to major complications if not managed such as blindness, kidney failure and loss of limb.

I hope you will share any additional similarities and differences that I may have missed.

Enter To Win An Adorable Children's Picture Book - Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth



Sugar Bugz Children's Picture Book

This month I'm giving away one of those must-have children's picture books in your collection, Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth!

The Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth children's picture book inspires children to take care of their teeth in a delightful and upbeat way. This colorful and educationally, entertaining book centers on the silly and mischievous Sugar Bugz, while effectively encouraging good dental habits like eating fruits and vegetables, and brushing up and down and all around. It also touches on flossing, when to brush, and making those special trips to the dentist. Something every child needs to do.

I really enjoyed this story! But I am known to be a huge sucker for cute, entertaining children's picture books; especially ones that rhyme and have the most adorable characters, like the Sugar Bugz. Since I want to offer you the best books on my blog, I thought I would put this book through a true children's book test--reading it to kids! So I rounded up my three elementary aged children and read it to them, never giving them a clue that they were reviewing this book. And not surprisingly, all three gave it a thumbs up! In fact, my ten year old son asked me why I hadn't gotten this book for him sooner. He thought it would had been helpful when he was just learning to brush his teeth.

But that was just the start of their curiosity. After I read it, my nine year old boy / girl twins took it and continued browsing through the pages, soaking in the information. After about fifteen minutes later, my twin daughter handed the book to me and said, "Really cute book, mom." Then she went off to play.

That evening, as my kids were just about to brush their teeth, all three of them asked me if I would read this book to them again. I smiled and said, "Yes!" So we cuddled and read the story again. The illustrations made them giggle. And the story encouraged them to brush, brush, and brush. In fact, my nine year old twin son, who I have to beg and remind at least a dozen times a day to brush his teeth, finally is brushing them without me having to stay on top of him. Those Sugar Bugz did their job in the story, encouraging him to take better care of his teeth!
 
The story and illustrations aren't the only thing that makes this book so special. The author, Stacy Piper, truly is an inspiration to all of us moms and dads who have an idea for a children's book and take the step in making it happen! The Sugar Bugz story started when Stacy's children were little. She and her husband told them about the sugar bugs that lived on their teeth, and it worked like a charm in helping to get their teeth clean. Wanting to share her story with others, Stacy researched and interviewed dentists, making sure that her story included the most important and effective dental practices. And now Stacy, with the help of Lori Escobar, is able to share her story with your family in the Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth children's picture book.

Meet Stacy Piper, the author of Sugar Bugz, and Lori Escobar, the illustrator:

Stacy Piper, an author, poet and artist, lives in Northern California with her wonderful family. For years, she has written poetry and created inspirational art work, which she loves to combine with her uplifting words. The following short poem describes her gratitude for life's journey -"From back there, to right here, to wherever the journey leads - I am thankful".

Lori Escobar, a natural artist and illustrator, also lives in Northern California. She is fun and full of life, which shows in the many types of art she creates. Lori has been working in the t-shirt apparel design industry for many years and is a valued artist at the company she has worked at for over seven years. She inherited her creative gene from her artist mother and great grandmother. Lori studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art. There is a special, fun energy that flows through Lori's creations.

Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth can be found at the website http://www.sugarbugz.net and at Amazon.

The Sugar Bugz team can be contacted at cleanteeth@sugarbugz.net

 

ENTER This Giveaway Below!

Also, this giveaway currently is only available to USA residents. Hopefully, someday in the near future, this book will be available internationally.

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Enter to Win The Entire Wunderkind Family Children's Chapter Book Collection

ENTER To Win The Entire Wunderkind Family Children's Book Collection in the Kid Lit Summer Book Giveaway! Giveaway runs from August 2...

This Mama is Teaching Her Kids Positive Affirmations

Say Your Affirmations Daily

Out with the negative and in with the positive! No more "I can't" or "I don't know how" or "I'm afraid" or "I'm may not be good enough" in my house. This school year my kids and I are going to be creating and saying affirmations every day! Yes, even me!

Here's my plan, which is pretty simple and easy to implement. I'm way too crazy busy for complexity right now.

So, I purchased each of my kids post-it notes, which they will keep in their bedroom on their night stand. And every night before they go to bed, we'll write out at least one affirmation and stick it on their bathroom mirror. Now here's an important tip...there is no rule that says you can't write out two or three or more affirmations. Make this fun! And let your kids join in on the planning. Knowing my kids, we'll be writing two to three affirmations and sticking them everywhere, like the refrigerator and inside their lunch box and on their dad's computer monitor and on the toilet.

The next morning, your child should read their affirmation three times aloud. And anytime they are feeling sad or scared or angry, they should say their affirmation again.

So what if you don't have a night stand or bathroom mirror. Easy fix. Keep the post-it notes somewhere your kids always go to before they go to bed, like the bathroom or their dresser. Once your child writes their affirmation, have them stick it on their bedroom door, so when they wake up they will see it.

One last thought, yes you can reuse your affirmations. Change them up. Reword them. The most important part is that your children are replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

Below are some affirmations to help you get started! Please share any that you and your children have created, too.

• I am talented.
• I am a good kid.
• I am smart.
• I love me.
• I accept everyone for who they are.
• I love everyone in my family. (Have them name everyone).
• I enjoy helping out.
• People like me.
• I am a good listener.
• I am athletic.
• I can do whatever I put my mind too.
• I have everything I need.

Kids love sharing their successes. I hope you will share how their attitude has changed.

Extra 20% off markdowns at Crazy 8!

A Healthy Vacation Is One That No Family Ever Forgets

I am so excited to share the following guest post, by Kendra Thornton, a travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. Her experience and knowledge in this area (traveling) can make your family vacations healthier and happier!

If you’re like me, you probably spend months planning the family vacation. My plans usually include attractions that will please the whole family. However, my plans don’t include anyone getting sick, while we’re on the road. Lurking underneath all of that vacation excitement are countless opportunities for encountering nasty germs. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to ensure your family stays healthy on vacation.

1. Choose Hotels that Will Provide Optimum Rest

Theme parks are a popular destination for my family, but overtired, over-stimulated kids aren’t able to enjoy even the best attractions. That’s why it’s so important to choose your hotel carefully. I usually choose a middle of the road nightly rate because this usually means a modern, comfortable room in a building that has reasonably good sound proofing. Quieter rooms and comfy beds always equal more quality sleep. I used Gogobot to sift through a list of Orlando hotels and found a great hotel that offered a quiet hours policy!
 
 

2. Guard Yourself in the Airplane Bathroom

Ever since I read a report by University of Arizona environmental microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba, I’ve harbored a private horror of airplane bathroom. His study found that most airplane bathroom surfaces are covered in E coli.  Be sure to keep your kids extra conscious about washing their hands in public places. I like clipping a hand sanitizer on my kids bags so they can always wash their hands whenever!

3. Make Exercise a Possibility

Sometimes our travel plans require us to be cooped up in a car or an airplane for hours. Pack a jump rope, ball or Frisbee that can be used during breaks. The whole family will get some much needed exercise. Even just stretching the legs can allow kids to burn some energy and avoid that restlessness in long car rides.

 

4. Choose Good Nutrition

Vacations can be a great time to indulge in food choices that aren’t a part of our normal diet. However, too much indulgence can lead to upset tummies. The occasional indulgence is fun, but put reasonable limits on it. Ask that everyone order healthy items at each meal and choose just one less healthy choice each day!

5. Stay Hydrated

Whenever I fly, I always seem to get dehydrated. Buy bottles of water once you’ve made it through airport security, and don’t forget to say yes to more water when the flight attendant asks.

While it isn’t necessary to over plan a vacation, being healthy while away from home is something we can all plan for and achieve. Plan for healthy travel by following these suggestions and you’ll have a wonderful experience the whole family will enjoy and treasure forever.

 

Kendra Thornton is a Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. She is a long time travel expert who has been packing her bags and traveling the world since she was 3 months old. Kendra's found her utmost desire in life to be right here in her own home. She's mixed her excitement for travel by bringing the taste of authentic cuisine to her own home with some of her unique recipes and sharing some of her personal traveling tips.

 

Connect with Kendra at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KendraThornton
Website: http://www.thorntonpr.com/