Hooter Hider

How could I forget, the amazing Hooter Hider!

Before Jayden was born I made the decision I would nurse Jayden until he was a year old. From the very beginning I knew I wasn't going to be one of those women who openly nurse in public. Why? Because I wasn't skilled enough to hide everything. I don't think every person on the airplane, during Adam's basketball games, etc, wanted a peek of what I was working with! So I found the Hooter Hider (great name, ey?) I absolutely loved it. I was able to nurse Jayden during Adam's games, out to dinner and in pubic without feeling comfortable. I have even been known to walk and nurse at the same time. The patterns are so cute and for as many times I had used it it was relatively inexpensive. For any nursing mother, I suggest one of these. Even for use at your own home while company is over, it really hides the hooters!

Welcome Baby Grayson

It is my honor to introduce Baby Grayson Thomas! He was born yesterday, February 27th, 2010 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He graced us with his presence a week past his due date. He weighted in at 6 lbs 14 oz and measured 18 inches long (which I may add, I find really hard to believe since his father is 6' 10'' and his mother is 5' 9''). Congratulations Angelo and Tiffany!

Welcome to this wonderful world Baby Grayson!

Layla Grace

There are infants and children everyday that are fighting to survive while cancer and other illnesses try to take over their little bodies. It literally breaks my heart. No child should ever have to live in pain or lose a battle at such a young age. I came across the story of Layla Grace on Twitter (random, I know) and I can't help but take 5 extra second when talking to the Lord to say a little prayer for her. So tonight before you go to bed or whenever you spend your time with the Lord please say a little prayer for her. She is only 2 years old and her battle is coming to an end unless a miracle happens. God Bless Layla Grace and her family.

The Moby Wrap & Baby Bjorn

I wish I was introduced to the Moby Wrap when Jayden was an infant because the Baby Bjorn was too painful on my shoulders. I really liked the Baby Bjorn at first but once Jayden started getting bigger it was too painful on my shoulders that after a while Adam was the only one who would use it. Adam has no complaints about the Baby Bjorn and he recommends it to many new fathers. For me, I now recommend the Moby Wrap. It is comfortable, convenient and really distributes that babies weight as evenly as possible.

Update: Please read the comments posted by Maria. She is full of knowledge and offered some of her favorite baby carriers as well.

Verse of the Day

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. -Matthew 22:37-39

It isn't hard yet so many people in today's world are full of hate; hate toward themselves, hate toward others and hate toward society. The list in endless. God has given us the gift to love; to love Him with all that we have and to love our neighbor how we want to be loved. If only this world was full of love...

Not Sleeping Well?

I came across this interesting piece on 10 Foods to Help You Sleep. I know a lot of people who struggle to get a good 8 hours of sleep a night. Maybe try one of these 10 foods before you go to bed. I know after a big Thanksgiving dinner a nap is definitely in order!

Tranquil Moments Sleep Sound Machine by Brookstone

Sorry for all the posts but the month of February is winding down so I must get in as many of Jayden's favorite thing that I can!

My wonderful gift giving soon-to-be mother-in-law gave us the Tranquil Moments Sleep Sound Machine for Baby before Jayden was born and we put it to use the day we took him home from the hospital. Basically the machine plays white noise that helps the child fall asleep. After so long the machine shuts off and the white noise fades away.

It machine is on the pricer side. It can be found on Amazon and at Brookstone for about $70.00. However, I would've paid $200+ for the machine. It really relaxed and calmed Jayden and help him learn how to fall asleep without being held or nursing at a very young age.

According to Brookstone, "with programs developed by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson of the Center for Neuroacoustic Research, Brookstone Tranquil Moments white noise machines for babies are clinically proven baby sleep solutions for parents looking for a little sleep themselves! Wonderfully effective sleep aids, these white noise machines calm restless children and help them sleep more soundly."

It really work!

Pack N' Play

I don't know if we could've survived without a Pack N' Play (or something very similar). We had Jayden in the states, a week later Adam was off to Croatia and a week after that, Jayden and I were on our way to join him. Because we were traveling, new bedding, nice crib and cute wall decorations were not on my registry, instead a simple and easy Pack N' Play took their place. Jayden slept in a Pack N' Play the first 19 month of his life (in France the team had provided a nice crib for him).

A Pack N' Play can be used for a play pen as well, but for Jayden's sake, because he slept in one, we kept it as just a place to sleep. They easily fold up and can be taken anywhere. At the time, airlines would accepted it as a piece of free luggage (may not hold true today). You can purchase a fancy Pack N' Play with all the extras and then there are some that are basically just a playpen. My advice, go for the one in between! If you plan on keeping downstairs as a place to change diapers and maybe a place for the baby to nap then the ones with a changing table may suit you best. Otherwise the cheaper ones work just fine!

SwaddleMe

A good friend of ours, Leigh, sent one of these in the mail for a baby shower gift since she was not able to attend. We started using it as soon as we took Jayden home from the hospital. It worked perfectly when he was sleeping. He was nice and bundled up and I wasn't worried about him being too cold or feeling like he was not being held tightly. This is the second gift I always give when going to a baby shower!

Berlin, Germany & Travel Beds

After some quick planning on Adam's part, we decided to take a weekend trip to Berlin, Germany. For Jayden and I it was our first time there (besides flying into the airport a couple times). We stayed at a gorgeous 5 star hotel in the heart of the city and while Adam & Jayden were enjoying the swimming pool, I was enjoying walking around the city and doing a little shopping. I hate to admit it, but we ate at just about every American restaurant we could find; McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Subway and Starbucks. And believe it or not, the best meal we had came from an Italian joint, Vapiano, across the street from our hotel! We didn't do too much sightseeing but we will definitely be going back at the end of the season.

The point to my post; I realized again that I can't stand (that's really mean, but the truth) sleeping in the same bed as Jayden. Adam and I literally got no sleep! A comfortable bed in a 5 start hotel and we had a bad nights sleep, who would've thought! Therefore, our favorite items for sleeping on hotels are the following: Tuck-Me-In Travel bed and the Peapod Travel Bed. Both are great for traveling and keep Jayden out of our bed!

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

The problem with parenting books is that every child is different. Based on countless books I've read I have never found a book a completely agree with; however, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child comes pretty close. I may not agree with everything in the book but for my personal experience Dr. Marc Weissbluth really knows what he is talking about. This book works.

I received the book as a gift before Jayden was born. And as any new mom-to-be does, I read it. A friend of mine had told me his son was an awful sleeper. He was suggested this book, bought it, followed the steps and his son, for the first time, establish healthy sleep habits. The whole house was happy! I make it a goal of mine to buy this book every time I am invited to a baby shower. I promise this book is well worth your $15.

(And a big thanks to Shon Bearup for giving us The Sleep Bible)

The Old Kearstin...

would've never been satisfied window shopping. The New Kearstin leaves early to pick Jayden up from school just to window shop, enjoy the nice weather and a little sunshine (even though its only 30 degrees outside) and is totally satisfied.

ABC Jesus Loves Me

I wish I could post an in-depth response to our favorite learning website but since we've only been working with the website for 2 weeks now, I am definitely not in any place to write a critical review. With that said, I just wanted to share with everyone why we are currently enjoying ABC Jesus Loves Me. I started the 3 Year Old Curriculum with Jayden a couple weeks ago. Because I didn't start in the "official" school year we decide to just start with week 1 and go from there.

Each week contains certain colors, numbers and letters to learn. There is also bible stories, poems and weekly activities. So far we are absolutely loving the program. I ordered the basic books and currently waiting for them to be sent over but for now I am getting as much of the material online as I can. For Jayden I think it will be better once he has an actual book to follow rather than the computer. I am amazed on how fun learning can be. Jayden gets so excited when I tell him its school time for Mommy & Jayden! Look out for a more in-depth post a few months from now when I really have the website under my belt!

Happy Valentine's Day

To my Valentine,

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy,

Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;

It is not self-seeking, nor easily angered.

It keeps no record of wrongdoing.

It does not delight in evil,

But rejoices in the truth.

It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves.

There is nothing love cannot face;

In a word, there are three things that last forever:

Faith, hope and love;

But the greatest of them all is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

To everyone else, Happy Valentine's Day! I hope today (well, everyday) you are thankful that God has given you love in our heart to love your significant other.

Lost in Translation

Now I know Google Translate isn't perfect but I know I am not lost in translation here...

W związku z odprawą przed meczową z udziałem agencji ochrony Lex Crimen, przedstawicieli Policji oraz władz klubu, zostały wprowadzone podczas meczu z Energą Czarnych Słupsk zmiany. Każdy kibic musi posiadać przy sobie dowód osobisty lub inny dokument stwierdzający jego tożsamość, osoby w kapturach nie zostaną wpuszczone na halę oraz w przerwie meczu nie będzie można wyjść przed halę. Milenium. Wszyscy Ci którzy wyjdą będą musieli ponownie zakupić bilet wstępu na mecz. Powyższe zmiany są podyktowane przybyciem dużej ilości kibiców gości i meczem podwyższonego ryzyka.

In view of the clearance before the match point with Lex Crimen protection agencies, representatives of the Police and authorities of the club, have been introduced during the match against blacks Energa Slupsk changes. Each fan has to carry a national identity card or other document confirming his identity, people with hoods will not be admitted to the hall, and pause the game, you can not get out before the hall. Millennium. All of those who will come will have to re-purchase a ticket for the match. These changes are dictated by the arrival of a large number of supporters and the match score at high risk.

Apparently the match tomorrow is a pretty big deal...

You Know You're a Basketwife When...

getting your entire monthly salary and bonuses in a white envelope, in cash doesn't surprise you. Not even the least bit.

The Old Kearstin...

As I strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ and embark on a journey under his guidance I find myself saying, "The Old Kearstin would never do such and such" or "The Old Kearstin totally would've said such and such." And with that said, I love the new Kearstin!

So where did this come from?

I have been cutting my bangs since I arrived in Poland, basically, I couldn't see anymore because my bangs were covering my eyes. So today I decide, I would go into this random hair salon and ask her to cut my bangs. She didn't speak English but we managed to use actions to get eachothers' point. While I was there I decided I would set up an appointment for tomorrow to really get my hair done, color, cut, etc. I will tell you now, the Old Kearstin would've never done such a thing. I freak out letting my own step-sister, who is a hair stylist, cut my hair. I know I must sound pretty corny but it's the truth. The Lord has done some supernatural things to me as a person which I absolutely love.

From here on out if I will come across an "The Old Kearstin...." I will be sure to post it.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

Thomas The Tank Engine

Jayden has been a big fan of trains since a while now. When we first started buying him his own trains I was hesitant on which trains to buy. Thomas The Tank Engine is sold in two different types: one is a wooden set and the other is a plastic set. As you can imagine the plastic sets are about half the cost of the wooden ones. But after watching Jayden try to put together the plastic tracks, I knew we had to go with the wooden sets. It is much easier for Jayden to put together and I find the quality of the tracks to be much better.

Since we have started buying the wooden tracks I have discovered cheaper alternatives to other train parts. For example Melissa & Doug make trains and tracks that are compatible with Thomas The Tank Engine and the quality is just as good. My last tip is AC Moore Arts & Crafts typically run discounts such as Buy One Get One Free or Buy One Get One 50% off on all Thomas merchandise!

Pottery Barn Kids: Boys' Mackenzie Backpacks

This is one of my favorite items (it just so happens Jayden loves it too). The Mackenzie Backpacks from Pottery Barn Kids are some of the cutest backpacks I have ever since. We purchased the preschool size backpack at the end of summer and Jayden still has about 2 years of use left (due to size of bag). He brings his backpack to school everyday with his water bottle on one side, hand sanitizer on the opposite side, a change of clothes and a snack on the inside. The quality of the bag is very durable and there is even cushion on the straps. You can find them here and it looks like they are even on sale!

The Truth

I stole this quote from one of my fellow BasketWives, Erin Crispin, an amazing woman of God. This has to be one of the truest and inspiring statements I have ever read in my life.

"Your worse days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of His grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. Every day should be a day of relating to God on the basis of grace along." -Jerry Bridges

Amen to that.

Happy Birthday Jayden!

I can't believe our baby is 3 years old today! Where does time go? We count our blessings every night that we have a happy and healthy little (big) boy who is able to teach us the meaning to life. Happy Birthday Jayden!

Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Hoop

I don't need to go into length with this post because Jayden's loves for basketball makes this Little Tykes Easy Score Basketball Hoop his favorite item. We currently keep this hoop at my Mom's house and he loves going there just to play basketball. He finds his toddler NBA ball fits perfect in the hoop. We've had this product for over 2 years now and we may need to upgrade since he is slam dunking it a little too easily. This particular hoops goes for $25.00 to $35.00 and can be found at any Target, Walmart, Babies R' Us, etc.

For Jayden's birthday, Adam and I bought him a big hoop (the only one available at the only toy store in Kolobrzeg) and although it isn't a Little Tykes, he absolutely loved it. He played basketball for 3 solid hours after he opened it.

You Know You're a Basketwife When...

there is nothing a club can say nor do that doesn't surprise you. Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Barnum & Bailey's Circus (oh wait, I mean Kotwica Kolobrzeg).

Maclaren Triumph Stroller

We purchased the Maclaren Triumph Stroller before Jayden turned 2. As any basketwife knows, walking the streets in Europe with a big or cheap stroller just doesn't work. I absolutely love this stroller. It is lightweight, stylish, easy to open and close and one of my favorite parts is the strap on the back that you can quickly put on your shoulder incase you need to carry it, i.e., running through the airport. When we purchased the stroller I also bought this, which again, I absolutely love. Maclaren did issue a recall on some strollers a few months back. I received a letter in the mail stating some children have hurt their fingers between the hinges. I went online and ordered the free repair kit and it was on my doorstep within a couple days. All it was was a safety protector that zipped over the hinges. Even with that being said, I still would recommended this stroller to anyone.

Disney "Look & Find" Books

Throughout the month I will be blogging about some of Jayden's favorite items. As well as some of my favorite items for him. He latest favorite item that he received as a gift at Christmas are the Disney Look & Find books. There are books available in many Disney movies. Currently, Jayden's favorite is the Friends & Favorites one. I am amazed that he can look at the large picture and find the little items the book has you locate. With each page there is a little story about the scene. The books provide us at least 45 minutes of entertainment. They are very inexpensive and can be found online or in stores such as Target.

Heath Evans Foundation

The Heath Evans Foundation is teaming up with the Brees Dream Foundation to raffle off a Super Bowl XLIV package. Check it out here! You will find the raffle on the left side of the page.

Adam and Heath went to Auburn together and have remained close throughout the years. We actively donate to the Heath Evans Foundation throughout the year. This is your chance to donate and be entered to win a Super Bowl XLIV package. Every little bit helps!

Raffle tickets are $2 each with a minimum purchase of 5 tickets.

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse and the Brees Dream Foundation whose mission is to advance research in the fight against Cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children in need.

Below is the email Adam received from Heath:

Please read the email below for your chance to Win 4 Super Bowl Tickets and support children & families that are walking through childhood sexual abuse. Please purchase 5 tickets for only $10 and forward this on to your email contacts list. My goal is to sell 100,000 tickets. Please help me reach my goal and be able to introduce thousands of hurting children to the hope and healing they need. Thank you!!

Because of Christ,

Heath Evans

Chairman & Founder

Heath Evans Foundation, Inc.

Office - 561.282.6345

Fax - 561.337.5964

www.heathevans.org

A New Month: February 2010

I can't believe it is already February 1st. It seems like just yesterday we were in the midst of our summer travels, relaxing and spending time our families. If I could go back in time about 3 years ago I know I was miserable, fat (yes, I gained 63lbs, I was fat) and beyond ready for Jayden to enter this fabulous world. In 1 weeks time, Jayden was born.

Since this month is "Jayden's Month" I will be talking about Jayden's favorite things (and some of mine I use on him).