A great investment

It's no secret, Piglet is a big-time mama's boy. He loves to cuddle and frequently asks for hugs and when he does, he is just plain irresistible. Seriously.

When this face looks at you and says "Mama?" And then he wraps his chubby little arms around himself, I would challenge you not to scoop him up and squeeze him like a package of C.harmin.

The problem is, sometimes once he's all cozy in my arms, he doesn't want to be put down again and when I try to set him back down, he makes like a koala clinging to a branch and I'm stuck. Of course this usually happens when I'm trying to pour myself a cup of hot tea or in the middle of emptying the dishwasher, not to mention that with my growing belly, it's starting to do a number on my back. He'll let me set him on the countertop while I finish my task but (GASP!) it's sooooo dangerous! Piglet is a very cautious little guy but still, I know that the countertop is no place for a toddler.

Then one day I saw The Learning Tower in a catalog and I knew it was what we needed. I'm usually up for buying and trying new things if they will make my life easier but this thing is a piece of furniture and at nearly $200 I had to mull it over a little. After about a month of serious consideration, I bit the bullet and bought one last week at one of my favorite local baby stores. Our handyman assembled it a few days ago and even though it's not quite Christmas yet, I couldn't resist letting Piglet try it out.

Piglet is a huge fan. He's scarcely left the safety of its four sides since I put him in it three days ago. It's very well-made and so much safer than a step stool (or the countertop *hang head in shame*). Now Piglet can be right up at my level while I'm tidying up the kitchen or sitting at the island eating a bagel in the morning. It will also be fantastic the next time we cook or bake together.

To the makers* of this awesomely simple, yet highly useful piece of furniture, I thank you, my back thanks you.

On a Twinks-related note, I am 23 weeks tomorrow! HOLY PIGLETS. We are knocking on the door of viability at 24 weeks. Of course I want them to cook a while longer than that but still, what a milestone! I see the MFMS on Tuesday so look for a full update later this week. I am excited to see the little buggers again and maybe deliver a short lecture on the fact that mommy's uterus is not a bouncy house and particularly not at 2:00 a.m.

*This product was not given to me and I received no compensation for my positive remarks.

It's a BOONiful life

It seems like lately, every day has been a little like Christmas for me! Every since Piglet started eating solids, I've finally been able to break out all these fun gadgets and toys that I've been hoarding since before he was even born. Yes, I said it. Hoarding. Anyone who knows me knows that I am infamous for my hoarding. Seriously, now with Piglet it's reached epic proportions. You know that lady who likes something then proceeds to buy one in every color? Or better yet, you know that lady that likes some [insert any and every type of clothing] for Piglet so much, she buys one for now, one the very next size up and then yet another for next year? C'est Moi.

Anyway, today was yet again Christmas as I ripped open the packaging of a BOON Squirt food dispensing spoon.  Piglet is just now getting to the point where he needs more than just one meal of solids per day and  I knew we were going to be out and about for at least 4-6 hours today so it seemed like just the ticket.  I'll be honest, even when I bought the BOON Squirt spoon, I was dubious about how well it would work. Well, holy pureed apple on my face.  This thing is pure genius. Now I can't wait to try out all the other BOON feeding products in my arsenal.  I see hoarding in my future...

PS - I also love the BOON bath products, especially the Flo Water Deflector which I've literally used since the day we brought Piglet home.  Those clever little peeps at BOON make such useful stuff!  And, did I mention that 10% of their profits support children's charities?