my baby's one!

Baby Sister turned one this month. ONE! How did that happen? It seems like just yesterday that I was announcing her arrival. This year has positively sped by, and while the old saying is true, time really DOES fly when you're having fun... in terms of raising more than one child, I might extend that phrase to include "... especially when you have a toddler at home." We simply couldn't obsess over every little thing Baby Sister was doing as we had the other eye on a constantly-on-the-move Toddler S.

Alas, while her first year of life seemed to zip past us in a heartbeat, here are a few things I can distinctly tell you about my Little One, my Heart, Vivian Ella (I've decided to share my daughters' names on the blog on each of their birthday posts this year).

Vivian can be rather serious when she wants to be:

And curious, very curious:

She's a happy go lucky kind of gal:

And her blue eyes are bright and sparkling:

Don't let that look fool you; this kid has spunk.

And, dare I say it, a bit of a mischievous streak...

Her hugs are simply the best.

And I could spend all day being completely ridiculous, just for a glimpse of that smile.

Vivi adores her Big Sister, but knows how to stick up for herself when Toddler Mayhem rears its "I refuse to share/I enjoy being disagreeable" head.

I think she might possibly be brilliant (a mother innately knows this sort of thing, you see).

But whatever she decides to become, or which roads she travels, or how she dresses, or with whom she loves,

I will always love you with my whole heart, my Sweet. Happy 1st Birthday, Vivian!

Thank you, Stickybellies, for helping me document my daughter's first year of life in such a fun and memorable way!

boo at the zoo bronx zoo review

(Say that 3 times fast)

Recently, I was contacted by Time Out Kids to participate in a new guest blogger series. Such FUN, and of course, I was only too excited to participate. We ran through a few ideas on events and eventually came up with "Boo at the Zoo," currently happening on weekends through October 28th at The Bronx Zoo. This was a perfect fit for our family, as a certain toddler in the house is kind of OBSESSED with animals right now (Am currently trying to DIY a tiger costume; wish me luck on that...)

Read about our fun day here -- and if you're looking for a Halloween-related activity this month, I highly recommend the "Boo" experience!

On a side note, I put the girls in their new outfits from Baby Nay for our zoo excursion. I love this brand -- the outfits coordinated perfectly without being too matchy-matchy. You can immediately tell the quality is a cut above, and in the words of one Toddler S, "this dress is so comfy!" I also secretly (er, not-so-secretly) wish they would make Baby Sister's shirt in an adult size.

A few of my favorite shots from the day, courtesy of photographer Marielle Solan:

rockin' babies party in their cribs

If you've taken a look at my blog, you know I love a children's book review. And if I'm writing one that isn't NYC-themed, then it simply must be unique. Rockin' Babies is just that -- a book you'll likely enjoy just as much as your child. Co-authored by Dr. Jenn Berman and her mother, award-winning lyricist Cynthia Weil, Rockin' Babies was written with your little rock star in mind.

Winner of the 2011 Purple Dragonfly Award for Best Board Book, I love this book as a baby shower or 1st birthday gift. The play on words and colorful illustrations that coincide are really amusing. I particularly love the line about rockin' babies that are "hounded by the paparazzi," i.e. Mommy & Daddy. I laugh out loud every time we get to "Rockin' Babies party in their cribs" (that would be Baby Sister!).

I'm excited to be partnering with Dr. Berman and Ms. Weil on a Rockin' Babies Swag Bag giveaway. Among other things, this giveaway includes Baby Banz sunglasses, a Rockabye Baby cd and Trumpette socks... perfect for your little rock star!

See Rafflecopter below for 3 easy ways to enter. I'll announce a winner on Monday, October 22nd.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I was given a Rockin' Babies Swag Bag for purposes of this review. Opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

the mother of all collaborations

Last week, I attended the launch party of a truly perfect collaboration between Bravado Designs, designer extraordinaire (and new mom!) Rebecca Minkoff and the non-profit organization, Baby Buggy. Held at the lovely Allison 18, I got a chance to catch up with my NYC blogging friends and learn a little bit more about this worthy effort to aid new mothers in need.

Here's the dish:

To celebrate their 20 year commitment to mothers, Bravado Designs teamed up with Minkoff and Baby Buggy, a non-profit organization founded by Jessica Seinfeld, which provides essentials to needy families with children ages 0-12. Minkoff has designed a limited edition nursing tank for Bravado, and 20% of sales will go to Baby Buggy. Additionally, for every nursing tank purchase, a nursing bra will be donated to a mother in need. Studies have shown that if a new mother  has access to breastfeeding support and attire, she will be more likely to breastfeed herself. Minkoff's nursing tanks come in 2 designs and are available on Bravado's website and also Diapers.com.



Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

I'm so happy to help spread the word about this partnership. It was lovely hearing from Jessica, and truly inspiring to learn how many struggling families (over 5.6 million!) have benefited from Baby Buggy since it began in 2001. Born out of the tragedy that was 9/11, their "Love. Recycled" motto has grown exponentially since then. If you live here in NYC or LA and would like to donate gently used or new gear and clothing to Baby Buggy, click here for how to do it.

Disclosure: I was not provided compensation for this post. I did receive a gift bag at the event. All opinions, as always, are my own.