Vegas is where I need to be.

Thanks to Baby Chic 101 and The Shopping Mama I am staying informed.

However, I need to be in Vegas right now at the ABC Kids Expo.

I need to see the new and improved Orbit G2. I really just want to touch it, stroll it, run away with it.

I need to see the new Petunia Pickle Bottom carriers. Hello?! I LOVE Petunia Pickle Bottom. My Boxy Tutu Roll Backpack is my BFF.

I need to see all of the BabyBjörn stuff. I am a BabyBjörn Believer and they sent me an e-mail telling me all about their new stuff.

The Organic Line: This new line features three of BabyBjörn's most popular products made from organically grown cotton: The BabyBjörn® Baby Carrier Original Organic in Walnut and the BabyBjörn® Baby Carrier Active Organic and BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance Organic in Walnut/Khaki. BabyBjörn's organic textiles meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the most recognized international organic standard. Additionally, all BabyBjörn fabrics that come into contact with baby's skin are Class-1 Oeko-Tex certified. This rigorous certification means that they are absolutely safe and free from any substances that can harm infants.

Smart Potty: BabyBjörn has announced a new addition to its Bathroom range: the BABYBJÖRN® Smart Potty. The new potty uses minimal space and is easy for parents to bring on trips. Its removable inner potty - similar to the larger BABYBJÖRN® Potty Chair - makes it easy to clean, while the integrated splashguard helps prevents leaks and spills. Additionally, the Smart Potty's ergonomic design and soft lines provide comfort for any child. The Smart Potty will be available in department and juvenile specialty stores throughout the United States and Canada in late September 2009.

New Colors:
o The BABYBJÖRN® Baby Carrier Original Classic in Black/Pinstripe
o BABYBJÖRN® Baby Carrier Active in Black/Black and Dark Blue/Pink
o BABYBJÖRN® Cover for Baby Carrier in City Gray
o BABYBJÖRN® Bib for Baby Carrier in Black
o BABYBJÖRN® Babysitter Balance in Black/Pinstripe and Babysitter Balance Air in Black Mesh
o BABYBJÖRN® Travel Crib Light in Silver.
The new fashions will be available in late September at department and juvenile specialty stores in the United States and Canada.

How about word on the street is that Peg Perego has a really cool new double stroller coming out. It is at the Expo of course. The Expo that I am not at.

Graco is getting rid of the Safe Seat. They're replaced it with the Snugride 35 (goes up to 35 lbs) and they will keep the regular Snugride.

Bugaboo (my other dream stroller) also announced their new, improved Wheeled Board. The wheeled board is exactly that – a board that goes behind the stroller and allows an older sibling to stand up and ride with their brother or sister. The new version is a bit smaller, has drainage holes for rain water, and now fits on all Bugaboo Strollers including the Bee according to Babble.

Check out the new Puj Tub from Puj, (pronounced “pudge” as in pudgy baby).

I am sure I will have much much more to show you as the other bloggers post. If I find any more interesting products, I will let you know.

PS- Maybe I can go to this in a few years. Next year is the last year in Vegas then they are moving it to Louisville, KY for 2011 and 2012. Who's with me? We could totally goes as "media". Haha! Maybe I can somehow magically become an independent retailer so I can go. I can always dream, right?

Sink or swim?

I can't believe that my 3 year old still wears floaties.

I said she would be swimming when she came out of the womb.

I was wrong. I seriously contemplated just throwing her in this year. I'm talking no floaties or anything. I couldn't do it.

Look at that cute little turkey nugget. How could you just throw her in?








Giving Dad a thumbs up {above}. You are your father's child.

Stroller Giveaway.

The Shopping Mama is having an AWESOME giveaway.

She has teamed up with Bumbleride to giveaway a Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller.

As you all know, I NEED this stroller.

Head on over to The Shopping Mama's blog for your chance to win. If you win though, you have to share with me.

You're welcome.

Tennis and soccer.

Caroline has a new favorite sport

In the past few days she has decided she would like to take up tennis as a hobby.

Why you ask? Because her dad likes watching women's tennis... especially Caroline Wozniacki.


He says... and I quote..."It is much more interesting than men's tennis. The men just hit it back and forth."

Ok. Just admit that you like watching in-shape girls bouncing around a tennis court in a short skirt. I'm totally ok with that. Don't lie though. Tennis is tennis. FYI: Men AND women hit it back and forth. Duh!

Anyway, back to Caroline. Lafone not Wozniacki.

I told her to come lay down in our bed in hopes that she would go to sleep quickly.

I turned the TV on and of course it was on ESPN {Why are men addicted to this station?}

Caroline Wozniacki was playing some Kim girl.

Caroline {Lafone} was so excited.

"That Caroline. Like me. Caroline." she says as she pats her chest in a very proud way.

"Which one is she?" I asked.

Caroline gets up out of the bed so that she can touch the TV to point to her. "Right there, Mom. That Caroline like me." She totally rolled her eyes while saying this as if I was crazy for not knowing who Caroline was.

"Well who is the other girl?" I asked.

"I don't know," she replied.

"Her name is Kim." No, I didn't really know it. I had heard the announcer say her name.

"Like Papa. Ken, like Papa."

"No Caroline, not like Papa. Papa's name is KeNNNNN not KiMMMMMM."

"Uh-huh. But that Caroline like me!"

Her dad has totally brain-washed her.

That's ok. When does soccer season start? We will be watching every game David Beckham plays. You know, because men's soccer is much more interesting than women's because the women just kick the ball around.

Preschool pickup conversations.

I saw a group of mom friends standing in the hall at preschool the other day.

I decided to walk over and say hello to everyone. I figured they would look past the fact that I was dressed in a wife beater, Juicy velour pants, and tennis shoes. My hair was pulled back and strapped down with a headband.

We all said hello. This is what followed...

"Hailey, I love Emma's cowlicks. They make a perfect mohawk."

There was laughter. Looking back, I don't think they were prepared for what was going to come out of my mouth next.

"You also like that she has on no pants. I totally forgot to put them on her. I'm a good mom like that."

There was laughter.

"How do you forget to put pants on your kid? That is why she is in the sling. It covers up the fact that she has no pants on and that I'm a terrible mother," I said.

Reason number #54 to buy a HotSling. It hides EVERYTHING... {even my fabulous love-handles}.

Now, if I could only learn to keep my mouth shut.

And in celebrity news...

McMommy totally got me on this subject and now I can't stop thinking about it.
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Nicole Richie and Joel Madden just had their baby on the 9th.

Congrats to them.

I was really hoping for a good name from them.

I love Harlow's name. It is a bit overboard with the two middle names but I can deal. Harlow Winter Kate Madden. Cute, no?

Then they announced their baby boy's name. I threw up in my mouth a little.

Sparrow James Midnight Madden.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Everyone is all "I hate the name Sparrow. That is terrible."

Clearly, Sparrow isn't the only terrible part of this name.

I am not under estimating the terrible-ness of Sparrow. Here are my points.

Number one, he has 2 middle names. WTH? Why is this such a trend in celebs? Heck, why is this such a trend with the Madden's!? Calm your nervous system and pick ONE first name and ONE middle name like the majority of people in the world.

Number two, one of said middle names is Midnight. The name Midnight reminds me of a cat. If you are going to pick two middle names, pick good ones.

Number three, why did they throw the name James in there like it fit? I mean really? Where did that normal name come from? I can imagine talk around the dinner table of baby names. "How about Pussywillow? What about Leaf? Oh, I know. What about Saffron? How about Peacock? Fluffy? Hey, what about James? It really has a ring to it." Be serious people. James is a great name that totally doesn't fit in that nightmare of a name.

I can't quit thinking about it. Together now... Sparrow James Midnight Madden.

Totally sounds like a pornstar name to me. What? I'm just sayin'.

Pictures from our first day of school.

Preschool has started back.

Can I get an AMEN?

Orientation and Caroline's first day went great.

The day of orientation, we had a minor problem before leaving the house. Caroline laid in the middle of the floor and screamed that she didn't want "that" bookbag. She wanted the "ladybug bookbag". We don't have a ladybug bookbag. I just knew the day was doomed. After promising her the "ladybug bookbag" and my right arm, we stepped outside for pictures. They turned out not so fabulous.


"Oh my dear sweet baby Jesus. This are not going to go well."



"CAROLINE! Look this way and put that hand down!"


"GOOD! But you didn't put your hand down."


"Can you please look at Mama?"

"Caroline. Please."

"At least that is a good shot of your hair." Topsy tails RULE!

Thanks goodness school went great. She loved it.

So, one Sassafras Pull-along Ladybug Backpack and a slew of crazy pictures later... let the school year begin!

Birthday scavenger hunt.

I wanted to do something special for Ryan's birthday... other than eating at East Coast Wings.

I hate just handing him his gifts.

This year I decided to do a scavenger hunt. Caroline and Emma helped of course.

I thought I was rather creative so I wanted to share.

Everything happened so fast that I forgot to take pictures.
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When he got home, there was a note on the door that read:
"Happy Birthday Daddy!
We hope your day has been GREAT!
For your next clue,
Go to the GATE!"

This of course sent him to the baby gate that blocks off our kitchen.

There he found two cards (one from me and one from the girls) and his next clue.

It read:
"Here's a birthday card just for you!
Now go to Caroline's room,
to find her present she picked for you!"

Caroline hid her own present under her bed. It was a pair of Polo seersucker pants. They are super cute and Ryan has been wanting a pair. They were $98 pants. Good thing they were on sale for only $23. SCORE! You can't beat that!

When Ryan found Caroline's present, he found his next clue on top of the wrapped box...
"You found Caroline's present,
Now find Emma's too.
She hid it in your room,
On the pillow just for you!"

This sent him to our room, where Caroline had placed his next present behind his pillow. It was a super cute Columbia fishing t-shirt.

On the present was his next clue.
"You found Emma's present.
Now you have one more.
Go back downstairs
and look behind the shoe closet door."

He came downstairs to find a long sleeved green and white striped Polo oxford shirt from my parents and sister.
The note on it read:
"This one is from KK, Jay and Anna too!
They say Happy Birthday to you!"

It was so fun. I think we have started a tradition!

Wordless Wednesaday... with words. The family dogs.

Meet Dallas.

Full name: Dallas Fenway Blaze King

Owner: Carey

Race: Black Lab

Gender: Male

Extra info: has habit of eating bumpers off of Mazda CX-7s, lover of a black dog named "Blackie"... he is male too. no judgement, I'm just sayin'.


Meet Jackson

Full name: Jackson (I don't know his middle name) Foss

Owner: Brandon

Race: Yellow Lab

Gender: Male

Extra info: Eater of mud and metal bolts, known to break through underground fence. He is a roamer and has been allegedly known to knock up a few fellow dog friends. His BFF is a brown dog named "Brownie". {What can I say? We have unique names for our stray animals.}

I smell 30.

Today, you are 26.

26.

Almost 30.

The big 3-0. {smile}

This has been a super stressful year. It all started with me hitting a stop sign after last years birthday dinner. Followed by Emma being born at 32 weeks and me being super sick. It has ended with us being in one of the happiest places we have been in a long time.

Each day with you brings new adventures. Caroline loves you better than Peter loved the Lord and Emma gets the shakes when she sees you. You are adored. When we met 9 years ago, who would have thought this is where we would be today. You are one lucky guy and I am one lucky girl.

Thanks for being my best friend and the father to my children. I love you more than anything {even if you did admit that you used to own a calligraphy set}.

We love you more than anything {nothing compares to you},

Hailey, Biggie, and Buggy

Last beach weekend.

Another beach weekend under our belts.

I didn't even make it on the beach.

Here are our pictures though.

I only have one more beach weekend planned for a while.

So enjoy!
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Beaches (not really), birds, & boats...




Blowing blonde tresses...



Bonding...




Brillant, beautiful sunsets...




Big blue-eyed {beat up} babe...



She got in a fight with a mosquito. The mosquito won.
She also fought with the coffee table. It won too.
The joys of an 11 month old.

The next photos are disgusting. Don't look it you don't want to see a smashed finger.
A little story behind it. My family members are trying to lose their fingers. A few weeks ago, my Daddy George {my granddad} almost cut his pinky finger off. 12 stiches and one ripped off finger-nail later, he is still in pain.
This weekend, Mary George shut her finger in the door. Pictures are Below.

Big blue Busted thumb.




Ugh! Throw up in my mouth a little.

For prettier photos, scroll back to the top. {smile}
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Hope you all had a fabulous {long} weekend!

Fevers suck.

I publicly admitted to my google obsession in this post.

I can't help it.

I google everything. If I don't know the answer to a question someone asks... "Hold on. Let me google it."

Google is my crossword puzzles BFF.

If google were a person, I'd totally marry him and have a million of his babies. Well, that is a bit extreme. I would definitely marry him though.

Emma woke up the other morning with a fever.

Ugh. Fevers. Words cannot describe my hate of fevers.

They are scary. I start googling and get all kinds of scary messages... SIDS, death, seizures.

Other than the fever, Bug acted fine. She ate fine. She even pooped and had tee-tee diapers. I mean, the kid was acting fine. She was a little weak eyed and not on top of her game but totally fine. I kept googling.

By the end of the day, I was scared sleepless.

I kept getting up to check on Buggy.

100.9

101.6 HOLY JESUS. What... who... RYAN... it can't... get me a... A cold wash cloth, a dose of Tylenol, and a little rick-rocking later, she was all good.

I sat there watching her as if she was going to sprout wings, grow an elephant trunk and be known as the "winged elephant kid." {I'm pretty sure google said it could happen.}

When she woke in the morning, she was burning up again. Mainly her head, hands, and knees. Google, can knees have fever? What does this mean?

What... RYAN... whoops, he's not home... it can't... get me a... who am I talking to? Cold wash cloth, Tylenol, and a little googling later, she was all good. Google of course told me otherwise. After that last dose of Tylenol, we have been fever free. Thank God!

Having a fever is super stressful.

As for Emma? She's back to her old self again. She just ate a three day old pea out of her highchair.

I think I was just messed up.

She's making it seem so easy.

My best friend that is. She is at home with a 9 day old newborn. She is breastfeeding. She has her stuff somewhat together. She hasn't called me crying once.

I don't wish stress on her but what the heck? Why were those first two weeks with my first newborn so hard?

Am I the only one that prayed for those first two weeks of newborn hell to be over?

Am I the only one that wanted to just shove that kid right back up my vagina and go about my merry way?

Am I the only one that cried when my boobs leaked?

Am I the only one that cried when I spilled milk as I was pumping?

Am I the only one that thought the world had ended when I lost my beloved nipple shield? I'm talking Ryan and I were on our hands and knees searching every inch of the living room.

Am I the only one that was so sleep deprived that at one point I probably couldn't tell you my name?

Am I the only one that put my newborn in the bed with me because it was the only way that any of us could get any sleep?

Am I the only one that would put their infant in the carseat and placed the vacuum right beside them to make her STOP CRYING FOR TWO SECONDS?

Am I the only one that googled "Is it ok that newborn infant sneezes?"? Seriously. I was a google freak. I still am.

Am I the only one that saved poopy diapers for my Mom to inspect to make sure they were the right color and consistency? (To my defense, my Mom is a newborn nursery nurse. She deals with baby poop everyday.)

Am I the only one that cried when I gave my child her first bottle of Enfamil at 6-weeks? Before that, I strictly breast fed and used breast milk to mix her cereal.

Am I the only one that felt as if I lost my mind in those two weeks? {3 years later, I wonder if I will ever be normal again.}

Am I the only one that got happy medicine when baby number two came?

Please tell me that I am not insane. {Even if you really think that I am}

As for the BFF? She is packing up and heading to the beach with the baby. By herself. Where did I go wrong, people?

ALMOST Wordless Wednesday- Ella

I did a small photo shoot today with my BFF's week old, Ella.

Here are my favorites.





Isn't she the cutest little turkey nugget you have ever seen?

Superwoman.

You know, I thought I was Superwoman.

Knowing that I had pushed out an 8 lb. 3 oz. baby. Yes, I was drugged but by 8cm that epidural wasn't working anymore.

Knowing that I went so long (I don't know exactly how many hours) without ANY pain medicine when I had Emma. (I couldn't have any pain medicine.)

However after thinking about it, I'm not Superwoman.

I am far from it.

While others call her "Nana", I (her first grandchild) call her Superwoman.

She gave birth, almost thirty years ago, to an 8 lb. 9 oz. baby boy. She had just turned 35. According to her she was "no spring chicken". I am sure some of you are thinking, "So what? I had a 9 pounder." "So what? I had a full grown toddler with teeth." Yeah but Superwoman pushed out a whooping 8 lb. 9 oz. baby boy that was breech... aka ass-first.

How do you do that? She is a conservative bra-burning Superwoman, I tell you. She is really going to LOVE the fact that I have talked about one of her child birth experiences, told her age and told Brandon's age to the whole world on the world wide web. Ha! You are super-freaking-woman, Nana! I'm sure we will talk about this over Sunday lunch, k? Love you!
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On kind of the same note... Michelle Duggar announced that she is pregnant with her 19th child. What the heck is wrong with her? Does she like giving birth? Who in their right mind would do it 19 times? NINETEEN. That is not even normal. I can't even think of 19 "j" names. I would name them J-1, J-2... J-9... J-12... J-19. Good luck to them.