Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Progression


Monkey girl advanced to the next class at The Little Gym (TLG). I was a little worried about this because I wouldn't be going inside with her. The parents/caregivers sit outside of the gym in the waiting area. We can see each other through the windows, but I thought she might balk at the idea of staying there without me. I knew when they opened the door to enter, she'd rush right in to get started, but I figured once she realized I wasn't coming with her, there might be a problem. Boy was I wrong. She did rush in, but other than waving at me one time through the window, she was content as could be and couldn't have cared less where I was. We still have to work on staying with the group the whole time and doing what the instructors are asking, but they said she was doing fine and those things will come in time.



Here's a video of how class used to be (On this day, Dadda monkey was able to go and you can see how the parents involved):



I consider this good progression because this is the first activity she's doing without me. We have playgroup once a week that we all attend (Bro Bro monkey, monkey girl, and I) and we used to go to TLG together while a friend watched Bro Bro monkey at home. However, this is the first structured activity on her own. I'd been worried since I found out that kindergarten is now a full day and there's no pre-school through the school system. My plan is to try a Mom's Day Out program in the fall, in addition to TLG, and then possibly Montessori school when she's 4. Mom's Day Out would just be once a week for a couple of hours so it's a small step above TLG. Hopefully, with this plan, both she and I will be prepared for school.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Beech-Nut Homestyle Steamies and a Giveaway

Beech-Nut sent me this fantastic tote with samples of their new Homestyle Steamies and some other goodies. I couldn't wait to try them because they looked pretty good and are a generous size for my toddlers. Additionally, they're made with all natural ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They're steam-cooked to lock in flavor and improve texture. The meals are packaged in re-sealable, re-usable tubs that are microwavable and BPA free.


So far I've given them to the kids when we've had spicier food that I don't feel comfortable feeding them or for quick lunches. They're really convenient and I feel good about giving these to my monkeys. I think the pictures show how much the kids loved them. Monkey girl doesn't eat a lot at a time so I was able to split one meal between the two of them, but the containers make it really easy to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.









Homestyle Steamies come in 6 classic flavors that appeal to kids (and myself):
  • Cheesy Lasagna
  • Chicken and Cheesy Potatoes
  • Chicken Vegetable Stars
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Spaghetti Rings in Meat Sauce
  • Turkey Rice Vegetables
Beech-Nut has also offered the same package to one of my readers! It includes:
  • An organic cotton tote
  • A roll of 'plantable' gift wrap and gift tags
  • Organic cotton fruit and veggie toys
  • Samples of new Beech-Nut Homestyle Steamies and coupons
  • Feeding tips for toddlers (how to make meal time fun, etc).
How To Enter:
(The first step is required for your first entry. Any steps after that reward you with an extra entry.)
This giveaway, and subsequent shipping, is only offered within the continental United States.

1. Let me know why you think you'd like to try Beech-Nut Homestyle Steamies.

2. Become a follower of my blog, Mommy 2 Monkeys, and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
3. 'Like' the Mommy 2 Monkeys Facebook page and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave  a comment on this post that you've done so.
5. Place my button on your blog/website and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.

This giveaway will remain open until January 31, 2011 at midnight central time. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the winner on my blog and also email the winner (please make sure your email is visible on your profile or post it in your comment). The winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email or I will choose another winner via Random.org. Good luck!

Disclaimer:

Mommy 2 Monkeys was provided with a sample for the purpose of this review and the opportunity to hold a giveaway for my readers. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Kid Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Monkey girl has been singing a lot lately. Even in the car she'll start singing along to the radio to songs she's never heard before. She loves it so much that if I start singing she tells me to stop so that she can sing by herself. So we've been working on typical kids songs like the Alphabet song, Row Your Boat, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, etc... We've also done little games like London Bridge and Ring Around The Rosie. Unfortunately, it seems that I've forgotten a lot of the songs and games. I've had to go look things up or consult friends to refresh my memory. Hopefully, Monkey girl hasn't caught on yet that I'm not an expert when it comes to these things.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Monkey Monkey Music


We got this DVD the other day that is perfectly in line with my kids. It's called Monkey Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith LeVande. The title alone makes it seem as though this is music just for my little monkeys. I was excited to have my monkeys watch it and I wasn't disappointed. My kids love listening to music and they love when videos come on TV. The songs in Monkey Monkey Music are just what they're used to. They teach lessons, encourage you to get up and move with them, as well as sing along.

Our favorite track is 'Jump High'. I even enjoy listening to it myself. Both of my monkeys like to follow what the people are doing in the video. I caught a couple of pictures of them dancing along. As you can see, even Bro Bro at almost 16 months old got into the video.


Monkey Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande has gained acclaim by winning both a 2010 NAPPA Honors Award and endorsement from Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media. When the album came out it was a Parenting magazine "Pick". The songs include themes from jumping high, to exploring Chinatown, to flying around the country and are brought to life through a blend of live action videos and colorful animation. 


Here comes the good part. One of my you can win this DVD! Read below for details.
 
How To Enter:
(The first step is required for your first entry. Any steps after that reward you with an extra entry.)
This giveaway, and subsequent shipping, is only offered within the continental United States.

1. Visit Monkey Monkey Music and tell me what song you like or let me know why you think the child/children in your life would enjoy this.

2. Become a follower of my blog, Mommy 2 Monkeys, and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
3. 'Like' the Mommy 2 Monkeys Facebook page and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.
4. Follow me on Twitter and leave  a comment on this post that you've done so.
5. Place my button on your blog/website and leave a comment on this post that you've done so.

This giveaway will remain open until January 17, 2011 at midnight central time. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the winner on my blog and also email the winner (please make sure your email is visible on your profile or post it in your comment). The winner will have 72 hours to respond to my email or I will choose another winner via Random.org. Good luck!

Disclaimer:


Mommy 2 Monkeys was provided with a sample for the purpose of this review and the opportunity to hold a giveaway for my readers. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

Monday, January 3, 2011

CSN Stores Review

I have had my eye on this for a while (it's been sitting on my wish list at CSN Stores) though in a different configuration. There's a popular chain store/catalog that has a really nice similar looking wall system for toy storage. I didn't want to pay their high prices though so I started looking for something similar. I was very pleased to find exactly what I was looking for in the babyletto items at CSN Stores. I bought the storage drawer ($99.98) and cubby hutch (also $99.98) to begin my wall collection. 


I was a little worried that the size or finish wouldn't be what I was hoping for, but it was perfect. It did need to be assembled, but that didn't take Dadda monkey very long to complete. The finish seems slightly darker than what it shows in the picture so it goes great with our other dark brown furniture. Also, the drawer opens and closes smoothly and the cubbies are a perfect size. Some of  the pictures showed just one toy in each cubby, but there's plenty of room without being so big that it just looks like junk thrown in there. The height is also great and I plan on adding a third tier eventually, but it doesn't really need it.

As usual, CSN stores delivered my items fast and in great condition. The items were packed well so even though one of the boxes corners was showing signs of wear, the product was well protected. I love that they sell these pieces individually so you can purchase them gradually as your budget/space allows. I'll be buying 2 more of these sets to go on the wall with this one. The toy basket that I had used previously already looks less cluttered and the whole play area looks more organized since we've moved a lot of the toys to this wall unit.


I really love the ledge that the drawer base provides. I figured it would be great for the kids to sit on, but I didn't anticipate my children discovering another use for it. They take the cars, trains, and even the dolls and play with them on that ledge. I think they'll love it when it's expanded to two more units. Dadda monkey assembled it while the monkeys were napping and when they woke to see their new toy storage they liked it more than I expected them to. Honestly, I didn't expect much of any reaction from them, but my daughter was really excited about it and Bro Bro monkey loved opening and closing the drawer with his toys in it. He's only 15 months old so that's about as much of a show of joy as you can get from him.

The babyletto toy storage is upstairs in our loft/playroom. I'm really pleased with what we have and even though we just have the one combination, it doesn't look out of place. In fact, I've considered getting another single drawer and hutch for our family room downstairs. We have a playgroup that sometimes meets at my house and we generally stay downstairs with a bunch of the smaller toys. As with upstairs, I have a basket that's become much too small to hold all the toys and this furniture fits right in with our other furniture. Dadda monkey has to sign off on that proposal though. He does agree that this furniture was perfect for us and just in time for all the Christmas presents to arrive. I think it even goes along with my resolution to be more organized!

Disclaimer:

Mommy 2 Monkeys was provided with a $45 gift code to review an item from CSN Stores. Mommy 2 Monkeys (well, Dadda monkey) paid the remaining balance. No  other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.