• CRAFT: Hidden Animal Sensory Activity

    February 18, 2021

    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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  • Hudson said MAMA

    June 30, 2020

    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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  • A Walk Down ‘Frozen’ Memory Lane: The Reasons I Love This Franchise

    November 25, 2019

    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!

    June 24, 2019

    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

    May 29, 2019

    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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  • Mama, I See You

    March 15, 2019

    Mama – I see you. ⁣⠀You are seen. ⁣⠀⁣⠀Trying to run around after one or even multiple little people.⁣⠀Feeding your family multiple meals per day…oh and don’t forget snacks. ⁣⠀Turning the laundry from the washer to the dryer and then letting it sit there for 3 days. ⁣⠀Working your 9-5 and just wanting a foot rub at the end of a long day. ⁣⠀Taking a personal day to watch your sick child. ⁣⠀Squeezing in even 10 minutes of exercise (sitting in child’s pose totally counts) to keep your heart healthy.⁣⠀Saving those pennies wherever you can to take your family on vacation. ⁣⠀Debating whether or not it’s okay to wear your…

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  • March/April Bucket List

    March 4, 2019

    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…

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  • 12 Valentine’s Day Books For Your Little Cupids

    February 7, 2019

    The day of love is just around the corner! As you all may remember from Christmas, I love holiday books. They add a theme and a variety to our at home library. As we approach our next major commercial holiday, I set out to do some research and read over 30 cupid-themed books. I selected my 12 favorites (in particular order) that you may want to consider gifting to your little ones next Thursday for Valentine’s Day. I’ve provided affiliate links (at no cost to you but help our family) to Amazon and all are available with Prime – so you have plenty of time to order! Yippee skip hooray.…

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  • Find Your Voice Girl!

    January 29, 2019

    A few weeks ago, I had my first opportunity as a mother of a special needs son to step up and advocate in a childcare scenario.  I started a Bible study group on January 8th. The main reason I chose this group was because they offered childcare! SCORE. I remember mentioning in an email to one of the childcare facilitators that Hudson has Down syndrome but did not think it was relevant to mention that he was a non-walker.  The morning of my first time attending this bible study went smoothly. Hudson has struggled with separation anxiety but it improved over the holidays with family in town. I wasn’t worried! …

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  • Sibling Love: Third & Final Video

    October 30, 2018

    Tomorrow is the last day of October, which means Down syndrome awareness month is coming to a close. Last year, I didn’t really do anything to celebrate the month. I remember seeing other people post about it but wasn’t sure where “my place” was in spreading awareness and encouraging acceptance. One year later, I have found my place and my voice advocating for our sweet little Huddy Buddy. I’ve had the chance to share so many wonderful accounts that celebrate Down syndrome through Instagram. I shared with other moms about the joy that siblings bring into a special needs family dynamic and created three videos. I designed and printed postcards…

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