Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

#FisherPriceMoms

OVERconfident

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That’s me on April 13th, 2008.
The photo was taken on my 30th birthday!
There I was, 34 weeks pregnant…
…rocking pink David Dixon high heels.

It was my baby shower, and I was on top of the world.

I was OVERconfident.

The baby would arrive shortly, I knew.
No need for formula, I’d be breastfeeding, of course!
Maternity clothes? Pu-lease.
I’ll have my pre-baby body back in weeks. If not DAYS.
And what sleepless nights?
Baby would surely be a perfect, slumbering angel.

Reality check.

I gave up on breastfeeding after 3 days.
I wore my maternity jeans until Ryder was 10 months old.
I haven’t enjoyed an uninterrupted night of sleep since.

Truth is, before I was a mom, I was OVERconfident in my abilities to raise a child. Deluded into thinking that I’d naturally be the best mother in the world, I realized in a hurry that nothing comes naturally – unless you counted my penchant for breaking down into uncontrollable sobs.

Every day or so.

And through my experiences I can offer this shard of wisdom to first time moms-to-be: Having a baby will rip away every confidence, every ounce of pride, every moment of boastful foolishness. Having a baby makes you vulnerable. It’s the opposite of confidence; it’s a badge of uncertainty that will follow every fever, every missed curfew, every time your child happily skips away from you. Before I had a baby I was recklessly arrogant in my parenting abilities.

Now, I know better.

Next month, Fisher-Price will be launching their OVERjoyed campaign – a program which celebrates the Real Joys of Motherhood. The moments where we as mothers are OVERjoyed, but also those moments when we are OVERwhelmed, OVERhugged, OVERdue, OVERtired and of course OVERstimulated! (And all those other OVER… moments.)

The campaign will consist of mothers submitting photos with a one-line caption to really bring the photo to life. These images will be on the FisherPriceMoms.ca website, where moms can come to celebrate, commiserate, remember and support by looking through (and adding their own!) photos of the good, the bad, and most importantly, the REAL moments of motherhood that we’re all experiencing.

So, we can all have a laugh, a cry, and a sigh of relief knowing that we’re all there, together.

What are some of the OVER… moments that you’ve experienced as a mother?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Milestones, Master Moves & My Mini-Me

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When I first met my baby, my sweet little Reid, I fell hard – and fast.

Perhaps it’s because he was so tiny – at 6 lbs, he was on the lighter side for a full-term (40 weeks) baby. Or maybe it’s because he was just such a good little boy: he latched on with practically no assistance from me (I was sleeping off the c-section drugs, and woke to find a little baby breastfeeding while the nurse held him to my bosom. Talk about a self-starter!). Could it be because he slept through the night with no fuss at 4 weeks? That might be it.

But to tell the truth, the REAL reason I fell completely, head over heels for my baby boy? It’s because that first day, when he opened his big, shiny eyes and stared at me with love and wonder, I said to my husband,

“He looks like E.T.”

And so I made a vow then and there to protect my little alien child, whose future would surely be filled with requests to phone home and make bicycles fly.

Of course, Reid outgrew his awkward little extra terrestrial phase, and turned out to be a very cute little dude. Seriously, he’s one of those kids that all strangers smile at – because they really can’t help it. He’s just got that face. And I’m proud to declare that he’s my Mini-Me! Yup, we call him Little Leno (pronounced Lee-no) around here, cause he’s the spitting image of his mama. Lena and Leno, we make a great combination.

Of course, he did get some traits from his daddy – namely, his coordination. Let’s just say that if I go through the day without tripping over my own feet, it’s a good one. I’m sure you’ve seen me post videos of my budding Baryshnikov here and here – trust me, he gets it from his father.

Speaking of his father, yeah, that’s him <<- busting a move on the dance floor at a party. My husband has been cultivating Reid’s love of dance ever since he first expressed the tiniest interest – shaking his little bon bon to the oh-so-catchy (shoot me now) tunes of Treehouse TV. It’s my husband who takes him to toddler dance class every Saturday morning at the ungodly hour of 8:00am, guiding him through the moves and perfecting his routine.

(Thankfully, Reid is too young to care that he is the only boy in the class; in a sea of tutus, I always make sure to dress him in Star Wars or monster machine-inspired tops.)

In fact, if there’s one milestone we’re looking forward to this year – beyond the normal goodies that a 3-year-old picks up, like language, potty independence and fine motor skills – it’s his continued sense of rhythm and freedom within dance.

So why is dance so good for children? Well, because dance classes are structured to help children continue to progress and build upon what they have previously learned, they are educational in nature and provide ample opportunity to develop a variety of both motor and mental skills. The learning environment of dance is key here.

Plus, in addition to the fact that dancing is an excellent form of exercise and all-around fitness, when it comes to the all-important fun factor, dance for kids is a very fun activity, plain and simple. (And having  fun is always a good thing!) Finally, did you know that dance and music has been shown to improve the ability to learn? It’s true – kids who participate in activities like dance are apt to do better in school. (Source)…

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2012: A Fisher-Price Toy Year in Review

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Picture it: There are 5 shopping days left until Christmas. And, you’ve got a few toddlers left on your shopping list. Now you could run to the stores and just pull toys off the shelf – or Google “Top Toys 2012” until you find a doable option. But in the end, chances are you’ll be no closer to making a decision on that perfect gift. Well, I’m here to help.

(Technically, my assistance here today is only relevant for those shopping for toddler boys. Because really, that’s all I know. But don’t fear! Simply head on over to the Fisher-Price Moms website, where you’ll find top picks for boys and girls of all ages from my fellow Play Ambassadors.)

So what do I recommend this Christmas? Easy peasy – let’s just revisit some of Ryder and Reid’s favourite Fisher-Price toys from 2012! (Clicking on the links below will take you to my full review – you’re welcome!)

Little People Wheelies Stand ’n Play Rampway – $45.00

Looking for a “wheelie” fun way to play with Little People Wheelies? On the Stand ’n Play Rampway, they zip and zoom up and down and all around! It’s over two feet tall, so the “wheelies” really zoom down each of the two spiral ramps. Plenty of lights and sounds as kids “drive” around, with a mechanic’s lift, a place to fill ’er up, a sign that spins when a car drives through and more!

…

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The UnParent Guide to Shopping for Toddlers

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Okay, so you’ve got a few toddlers to shop for this holiday season. You know – those little people who aren’t quite old enough to drum up a wish list, but are way past the “Oooh, it’s shiny!” infant phase. They’re about 2-to-5 years old and they like their cars and their dolls and that’s about all you know. Oh, you don’t have kids? No worries. You’re exactly the demographic I’m looking for.

Here’s my UnParent Guide to Shopping for Toddlers. For every aunt, uncle, Godparent or family friend who will be hitting the toy stores this Christmas, I’d like you to stop and take a peek at the following awesome information which is sure to help you find the perfect gift. Bonus: All the toys featured today are Fisher-Price, a brand that is universally loved by every child in the, um, universe.

So here’s the deal. In 2013 and beyond, the icons below will be displayed on all Fisher-Price packaging, so that parents can fully understand how that product can aid the individual areas of growth for their child. Think it’s beyond spectacular? I agree!

Now listen up gift-givers: I’ve taken much care to find a few examples of the perfect toddler gifts based on the Elements of Enrichment above. All you have to do is place a phone call to the parents, asking which skill they’d like to see developed. Does the child have trouble sharing with siblings? No problem – there’s a toy for that. Need to work on his/her gross motor skills? It’s almost too easy. Take my suggestions below – and Happy Shopping!…

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I’m The King of the World! #FisherPriceonRoyal

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I very seldom hand over the reigns to my blog, but when my 4-year-old son Ryder requested to guest blog on my site, I just couldn’t resist. Long time readers will remember the last time he did so – over two years ago – with his piece, “Big Brother Blues“. This time, the subject matter is much more cheery: our recent adventure with Fisher-Price aboard the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas.

Of course, he may have employed a ghost writer to help just a little – but I promise, the opinions are all his own. And fair warning – it’s a lengthy, detailed account of his entire time on the cruise ship – but if you’re looking to take a family vacation in the near future, you really should read what he has to say. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and see how Royal Caribbean makes family travel a breeze. Take it away Ryder!

Hello Readers! It’s Ryder again, Lena’s boy. Two weeks ago, my mom – along with her fellow #FisherPriceMoms – took our family on a great big cruise ship. In fact, it was the biggest cruise ship in the entire world! At first I was scared because it meant leaving home for one full week, and then I was sad because I realized that I had to miss school (which I’ve recently come to love). But when we walked onto the ship, it was like I was entering another world. My Mommy kept using the word “majestic” over and over, and my Daddy said “freaking huge” a lot. To me, it was simply my sweet little dreams come to life.

Our first night there, we had a chance to meet all the other families and children who would be traveling with us. My Mommy calls these women #FisherPriceMoms, and they’re just the nicest Moms ever. And, they had a few pretty cute daughters, if you know what I mean…. but more on that later. Our first night was simply magical, because Mommy and Daddy were so at peace. Long after Reid fell asleep, I stayed awake and peeked at them through lidded lashes. They sat on the balcony, quietly talking while Mommy’s hair swayed in the breeze. I’ve never seen her so restful in the evening, and Daddy was grinning from ear to ear. I knew it would be a wonderful trip….

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Back to Life; Back to Reality

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Hello Readers! Well, I’m back. And it’s COLD. And RAINY. And WINDY. And WET.

Actually, it’s pretty much the polar opposite of the weather I’ve been enjoying for the past week. Sigh.

However, I’m happy to be home. I’m happy to sleep in my own bed, enjoy the comfort of my pjs and fuzzy robe, and most of all – eat plain old Cheerios for breakfast. I need a break from indulgent food! Yup, it’s salads and toast for me for the next, I don’t know, month or so :)

Although I will be catching up today (Anyone want to tackle my inbox? Anyone?) I thought I’d just pop in and say hello! I’ll be back at it tomorrow, with – you guessed it  – tons of stories about our cruise and the awesome memories we made.

In the meantime, I’d love to leave you with a few pictures from the Allure of the Seas Carousel. It’s located on the Deck 6 Boardwalk, where they’ve recreated the best of Coney Island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The photos are taken at night, and that’s only relevant because the boys made us take them to the carousel EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

(Or, as Ryder called it, the Merry-Grow-On.)

Enjoy your week!

I’m Leaving… On a Jet Plane…

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… and then boarding a cruise ship. With my family. Including my toddlers. Whom I’ve NEVER traveled with before.

Oh. My. GAWD.

As you know, part of my job as a blogger is to attend relevant press events, trips and conferences. Sometimes, it’s the launch of a new product; sometimes, it’s a little bit of content inspiration that allows me to publish a better post. In the end, the information often helps me share with my readers in new and interesting ways.

This time, it’s a real-life example of how to make the best of a family vacation – courtesy of Fisher-Price – on a 7-day, Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise of the Western Caribbean.

Okay, first the obvious – I am so fortunate to have been extended this opportunity, and my family, along with the families of #FisherPriceMoms Play Ambassadors from Canada and the US, are thankful to Fisher-Price for arranging one of the most majestic press adventures ever. Truly, one of those moments where you feel rewarded for your efforts and blessed at the same time.

Second, the not-so-obvious – I am FREAKING OUT. My kids have never been on an airplane, much less a 17-deck ship. Combining the two activities together? Heart palpitations over here. Plus, being away from the comforts of home for over a week is also a little intimidating – believe it or not, the last time I left my house for more than 7 days was over 10 years ago!

And so I’ve done my best to consult packing lists, have made mental notes of the little things that my boys can’t do without (like Ryder’s blankie and Reid’s Little People) and I’ve asked friends and family who’ve traveled with kids to share their “must-haves”.

(So far, Children’s Gravol, Goldfish Crackers and LOTS of gummy treats tend to top the lists.)…

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That Moment of Pure JOY…

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It happens a lot when children are young. Often, it brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. And, if you happen to catch it, it’s the BEST THING EVER.

It’s that moment of pure joy when a child discovers a toy for the very first time.

Oh yeah – it’s THAT moment right there ->->->

Then, it’s the little moments of anticipation while the toy is unpacked. It’s the squeals of delight and laughter and the rapid succession of “Thank you Mommy!”s and flying kisses.

We surprised Ryder and Reid with the Fisher-Price Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle – just one of the very awesome toys from our latest press drop. Ryder is just a sweet, innocent little guy and he never really believes that something is for him unless we assure him that it’s his to play with and keep. The picture on the right was taken just seconds after I placed the box in front of him.

“Who’s this for?” he asked.
“It’s for Ryder and Reid!” I replied.
“For me?!! Promise me Mommy?”
“I promise!”
“I’m much too happy!” he exclaimed.

Fun times ensued, and it was such a joy to see him and his little brother “decode” the toy – that is, figure out where all the pieces go, understand the juxtaposition between the guards and the castle, and of course, make a few rowdy canon noises. BOOM!…

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Just Take the Toy and Say Thanks. (You’re Welcome.)

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There comes a day when your little one will take your fun away.

(Yes, I know the above statement can be in reference to one of the many time-draining, life-zapping scenarios that children throw at us. Please, don’t let me get started.)

However, in this particular instance, I’m talking about the day that your child picks out a toy for him/herself. At some point, he’ll point to it on a shelf, in a magazine, on the television, etc… and will ask, “Please, can I have this?” And, all those times that you visited your local toy store, carefully picked out a fun, educational toy and watched the joy spread across his face as you presented it… will be nothing but a distant memory. Because now he knows exactly what he wants and wants ONLY that one particular toy – and does not suffer fools gladly.

I was this child. For the longest time, I was content to play with almost anything I received, until I discovered Barbie dolls. Sure, building blocks and water colour paints were fun, but at the tender age of four, I wanted a Golden Dream Barbie. Badly. 

I’m not quite sure if Golden Dream Barbie was age appropriate at the time I lusted after her; I’m not even sure what my parents thought of my incessant pleading and begging for a doll that frankly, was quite gaudy compared to the more illustrious Peaches ‘n Cream (which would eventually turn out to be my favourite) and Magic Moves (which I’d later campaign for too). But from that moment on, I became the child that wanted to pick out her own toys, and carefully prepared Christmas and birthday wish lists that were to be followed to a tee.

(My parents threw in the towel surprisingly quickly and presented me with cash at every occasion from there on in. Totally took their fun away, however, #winning)

I suppose the question is – who drives the purchase of toys in your household? Do you leave it up to your children to decide, or do you stick to your instincts and buy the toys that you think will be the most beneficial to them? (Maybe it’s a little of both.) However, if you do decide to take pointers from your kids, at what age do you let them influence – or dictate – your purchase decisions?…

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Hey Girls, Wanna Ride with Me?

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Hey there girls, my name is Ryder. I’m a 4-year-old, totally single dude from Ontario, Canada – who just happens to be tall, dark and handsome.

(Oh, and that’s Reid, my brother. He’s only two and Mommy makes me take him everywhere. To tell the truth, sometimes he cramps my style – but I can’t deny Reid’s a fabulous wingman. He’s a ton of fun on playdates and has been known to make girls “ooh” and “ahh” cause he’s so funny looking cute.)

I like chocolate milk, splashing in my kiddie pool and playing with die cast cars. In fact, I normally spend a lot of time making car engine noises and am seeking a playdate who can emulate the sounds effects of a car speeding around a racetrack. Of course, I’m open to suggestions and enjoy a variety of activities: I am quite the artist; have a heavenly voice like Adam Levine, and even dig a good doll.

You may have also noticed that I have my own ride. Yup, it’s pretty sweet. It’s a Signature Cadillac Escalade loaded with luxury features! Fisher-Price sent it to us because Mommy is part of their Play Panel (which is funny because she doesn’t play at all – we do! It’s REALLY awesome)….

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Fisher-Price: Picture This…

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Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to tour the Fisher-Price Headquarters in East Aurora, New York. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms, we were offered the chance to go behind the scenes and witness everything from the history of the company, child photos shoots, the famed Fisher-Price Play Lab (a toy testing facility) and the design and innovation behind the brand.

(We also stayed at a “haunted” hotel. No kidding. The concierge had a few stories he was dying to share with us; I opted not to hear them, but fellow bloggers had a great time learning about the Roycroft Inn’s colourful – and sometimes eerie – past!)

Going through hundreds of photos, I couldn’t decide how I best wanted to sum up the experience. Should I spend time chatting about the Play Lab? How about the competition surrounding “Making a Box?” And I definitely wanted to touch on how Fisher-Price always puts child safety first – above and beyond any other toy company. In the end, I decided to divvy up the posts for a later date, and let the pictures do the talking for now (with a little help from photo captions).

You should know: Photography was forbidden in many areas of Fisher-Price HQ – understandably – as they have trade, patent and design secrets that they don’t necessarily want to make public. So although I’ve alluded to several awesome aspects of the tour; alas, it will remain for #FisherPriceMoms eyes and ears only :)

And so, without further ado, I welcome you to the Fisher-Price Headquarters……

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Nostalgia.

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Fisher-Price Headquarters
East Aurora, New York
June 29th, 2012

I looked at the showcase of vintage toys with polite disinterest. They were magnificent, of course, yet unsatisfactory in some vital way. Perhaps it was because I had already judiciously studied them the day before, reveling in the wonder and delight of Fisher-Price toys from as early as the 1930’s. Perhaps I was even slightly overwhelmed, taking in literally hundreds of toys that were once found in the nurseries, living rooms and kitchens of homes around the world. “What is missing?” I wondered. “What am I not seeing?”

Admonishing myself, I tried to generate the appropriate level of enthusiasm. Not everyone is lucky enough to receive a first-hand introduction; visiting the Fisher-Price headquarters was more than a special invitation from a toy company – it was the history of play unveiled before my eyes. And for that, I was both fortunate and grateful.

Still, I was dissatisfied.

Searching through the toys, I heard the audible gasps of fellow Fisher-Price Moms as they recognized a childhood favourite. Peals of laughter and screams of astonishment as they came across toys from the 1980’s; jostling each other gently in an effort to get a better view. And that’s when I knew what was missing: although I recognized toys that I had myself played with as a little girl, I didn’t have a special connection to them. I was like watching a foreign movie without the subtitles; I got the gist, but didn’t appreciate the nuances of the story line.

And just like that, it happened.

My eyes trained on a toy that I hadn’t seen the day before. How had I overlooked this? I stepped in for a closer view and instantly, memories flooded my mind.

Memories of turning the pieces over, studying the patterns, texture and colours. Rolling out the clay and cutting triangles, circles and flowers – being sure to gently ball up the scraps to repeat the process all over again. Putting the pieces back in the caddy so they were just so; tracing the pictures on the outer edge with my finger in admiration for such a fine specimen.

Without doubt, I instantly recognized my very favourite toy from childhood – one that I had long forgotten about. I played with this toy every day, and for far longer than was socially appropriate. Because to me, this was my little craft station – my escape from an annoying older brother, much too much math homework and often dueling parents. I would huddle in my room and roll out piece after piece, methodically perfecting my technique.

Back in the present, I excitedly asked if anyone could identify the toy, yet received a few sympathetic shrugs and guesses, but nothing concrete. I made a mental note to corner a Fisher-Price employee and demand more information, but sadly, the day progressed so quickly that the opportunity never arose.

Later that night, at home, I Googled every description of the toy I could think of – to no avail. Was the toy to remain in my past – and live only in my memories – forever? In desperation, I noticed the numbers “787” under the Fisher-Price logo and instantly, I found it.

Fisher-Price Creative Clay Tool Set.

This toy is a part of my history. It is a part of me. In an integral way, it sparked my imagination, fostered my creative spirit and likely initiated much of my obsessive-compulsive disorder (kidding – but I did work very hard at rolling out the perfect flower). This is the Joy of Learning. This is nostalgia.

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Who Says Kids Have ALL the Fun?

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… Certainly not me! I’m off to the Fisher-Price headquarters in New York for a couple of FUN-filled days. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms Play Panel members (Tammi, Caroline and Lisa), we’ll grab a sneak peek of the newest toys, tour the facility, and even get to spend time at the famous Fisher-Price Play Lab!

Hence, this is me signing off for the next couple of days. Have a splendid week, and I’ll catch up with y’all on Saturday!