Okay….that title is totally misleading. To be clear, I am NOT crafty. You would think I might be since I am a creative; however, when it comes to activities and sensory bins for my toddler, I strongly dislike this type of pursuit. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and I am guessing there are a lot of other parents like me…. you want to do the craft, but you can’t stand it. Well here is any easy one for YOU if you are like me. I’ve formally titled it…Hiding Animals with Rice in a Muffin Tin With a Scoop 🙂 You will need: Rice in a bin/storage container Scoop…
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Basic Hospital Bag Packing List for Mama
Alright friends, I have been talking about packing my hospital bag for WEEKS. When Baby #4 was measuring a month ahead, it was suggested that I get a bag of items ready in case we need to rush to the hospital. I have FINALLY DONE IT! The good news is…and I want all the first time mommies and daddies to hear this…the hospital will have everything you NEED. Highlight – CAPS – underline – BOLD. Packing a bag is more for you…what things bring you comfort? What would be a nice to have? It is another great way to mentally prepare for the reality that you are giving birth soon.…
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Hudson said MAMA
IT HAPPENED!! Hudson said, “MAMA” for the first time last night. I have been aching to hear those words. Hudson knows I’m mommy…I don’t need verbal words to confirm that….but oh man how sweet that moment was last night! The MMMMM sound is very hard for young children with Down syndrome to create….pursing your lips together and making the vibrating M noise takes a lot of work and coordination (versus DA, BA, GA, etc). I knew this would be a long time coming (Hudson is 3 years old)…and I treasure every time he signs “mommy” since I know that’s the best way he can communicate my…
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Best Restaurants in Disney World (According to You!)
What’s one thing you think of when ‘Disney World’ comes to mind? Is it Mickey Mouse? That gorgeous castle? The rides? The crowds? The magic? Maybe all of those….but for me, it’s all FOOD! One of my favorite t-shirts I own is a list of #allthesnacks you can get at Disney…Mickey pretzels, Dole Whips, churros, Mickey waffles, candy apples. Because as much as I love the rides at Disney, I REALLY love me a solid Disney snack in between attractions. An area I didn’t know as much about with Disney World was the sit-down dining selections. We’ve had a few good quick service restaurants but had not explored the sit-down…
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9 Things You Need for Tonsil and Adenoid Recovery
WOWZA!! What a rollercoaster ride of 10 days from Hudson’s recovery. Recovery from what? Let me catch you up, friends. Since Hudson was born, he has struggled with congestion. This is not uncommon with a Down syndrome diagnosis. Since he is anatomically smaller, it’s harder for fluid to drain. In fact, in the hospital when Hudson was born, he failed his left hearing test due to fluid. So we’ve been working with Hudson’s Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor since he was born. It’s been a back and forth process…..let the fluid drain itself, put in an eustachian tube, etc. I could go into this a lot more (and if you…
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A Walk Down ‘Frozen’ Memory Lane: The Reasons I Love This Franchise
Anna, Elsa, and Olaf hold a very special place in my heart. Why? Well when I was 25, I met two young children named Tyler & Emily. I had been around kids plenty and loved them….but there was added pressure at this meeting…they were the children of my boyfriend at the time. I so desperately wanted them to like me! One of the first dates we went on as a family was to see this amazing, winter-themed, animated block-buster smash from Disney…a little film called “Frozen.” As we walked out of the theater holding hands and singing ‘Let It Go’ – I breathed a sigh of gratitude (and some relief)…
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Giving It a Shot: VLOGGING!
Hello Moonbeams! In case you don’t follow on social media, I wanted to share some exciting news about a new venture for Holding Moonbeams…. WE ARE VLOGGING! Since turning my social media focus toward blogging and intentional sharing about our lives as a special needs and blended family, I have really enjoyed connecting with our readers. Reading everyone’s comments makes the internet seem like a smaller place…and I love getting to know people (who I may never have otherwise met) through Instagram, Facebook, and through this blog! But one of my most favorite parts was using Instagram stories to give everyone a taste of life behind the scenes…life behind the…
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41 Summer Activities For Toddlers in Chicago
It’s that time of year again…. The snow has finally melted. Target is pumped full of adorable aquatic accessories (hello donut shaped pool float) and bug spray. Art projects from the school year make their way home. And then the anxiety of what to do with your young children starts to creep under your skin as you panic….what am I going to do with them all day?! Yes my friends. Summer is here. But no need to worry…especially you local Chicagoland mamas…I see you ladies. And I have not one…not two…but 41 different activities for you to try with your kiddos this summer! Here’s how I went about this list….…
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Book Review: Gnat & Corky Series
If there is one activity I have enjoyed most with Hudson since his birth, I’d have to pick reading. From his first few days on this earth as a newborn listening to the words in those fresh, unopened books….to the tears, bite marks, and stains on our durable board books of late….I love reading with my little guy. Last month, Orange Hat Publishing reached out to me about some books they have…one story, in particular, they thought resonated with my posts and what our family is all about – love and light! After reading these books, I knew I had to share them with you all. I love supporting amazing…
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March/April Bucket List
It’s already March! What?! But I’m so grateful….January and February have always been challenging months for me. They are the darkest yet somehow feel longest days, the Christmas blues are upon me, and it’s so cold outside that we don’t want to leave the house. March is FUN. Daylight savings time occurs, spring break is around the corner, and Easter decorations are up in the stores. But in Chicago, it’s still not Spring…even in April…I know right! So I couldn’t call this a Spring bucket list….we still have snow on the ground with more to come. I give you…the March/April Bucket List. These two months that can be busy with…
