Free Board Book from Leap Frog

Just create an account, link the learning path with items you already have (even if you don't have any, you can just link anything since no barcodes are needed).

Conditions:
*Offer does not apply to Tag™, Tag Jr, Leapster®, Leapster2, Didj™, FLY™ and Crammer™ learning systems, books and games.

**Free Tag Junior ABC book offer valid through 3/1/10 or while supplies last. Limit one per household. Offer only valid in the U.S. Some LeapFrog toys may not be supported on the Learning Path.

Room Decor: Winnie the Pooh Theme

I was looking on some room/nursery decor themes online and had these great ideas and save money at the same time. Winnie the Pooh characters are my favorite (and so is Brandon's). I had nothing else to do, since my World of Warcraft game account got hacked and is being fixed (that's another story)...

I went online to find some ideas and clipart so then I can print them off my printer. This also saves me from going out and spending on wallpaper. Everything is printed, including the photos. So, anther money-saving solution for me. Yay!

Remember the before and after pics when we first moved Brandon's crib in his own room? [LINK]. I took some snapshots to share with you. Here is what it looks like now with decorations:

More Points from Pampers & Huggies

Here are some more FREE Points/Codes from Pampers & Huggies. Enjoy! :) By the way, did anyone win anything in the Huggies interactive games or instant win games? I spent so many points and got nothing. :( I could've redeemed a toy. Oh wells...


PAMPERS CODES:


DONTFORGETGTG08
OHAMANDAAWGTG08
WELCOMEBONUS089
WELCOME2GTG0809
GROWWITHVILLAGE
XKCMYXFVD96VXVK
HAPPYHOLIDAY089
THRIFTYMOMMYGTG
WELCOME2VILLAGE
JUSTBECAUSE2009
STARTEARNINGNOW


HUGGIES CODES:


BCSRM TKWNZ ZGPGB (5 points) - exp. 02/28/2010
BCFRH SDWLP XFPGB (1 point)
BBRGX FHMMD HGPGB (1 point)
BCJHP HBTLL KDPGB (1 point)
BCMJG GKLMJ KJPGB (1 point)
BCNTP WXTNL XKPGB (1 point)
BCSQD DNXQF BBPGB (1 point)
BBRGX FHMMD HGPGB (1 point)
BDGTW XSQBJ TXPGB (5 points)
BXZWT NJFSL HCPGB (5 points)
ZJBNX XJXJM GDFXH (4 points)
TPMBB QWQGC TZFXH (4 points)
GXRCQ QDFHN ZHFXH (4 pionts)

Photo with Santa

Brandon had his photo taken with Santa. Brandon isn't smiling cuz he's tired from waiting in the line-up.

Computer & Online Games for Toddlers

Computers nowadays are part of our daily life for most of us and they are quickly becoming of interest to kids and toddlers. Almost everywhere and schools rely on computers, so it is okay for children to start learning early and how to use them. When you introduce computer activities to your toddler, it is important for both of you to be engaged in playing and find something that is interesting to them.



I found some free online games (no download required) that are fun and your little ones can learn from.

Sesame Street Games
Online Learning Games from Fisher-Price
KneeBouncers Educational Games and Fun
Minimops - Games & Activities
BBC - CBeebies
Fun With Spot
Playhouse Disney
Disney Magic Artist
Care Bears
Pocoyo
Webkinz
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan
PBS Kids

Online coloring pages:

TheColor.com
Kids Online Coloring

Remember that children are curious learners and introducing them to the computer at an early age has benefits. Not only will these computer games will educate them, they will also entertain them as well.

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

I have been a good boy this year and have learned so much. I've made mama and dada proud. I would like some new toys this Christmas. Here is a list of things I want:
- Gigantic Keyboard Playmat - Bruin (pic)
- Crayola Beginnings - Color Me a Song (pic)
- Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Phone (pic) or Vtech Dial & Discover Phone (pic)
- Little Tikes - Fold Up & Go Train Set (pic)
- Crayola washable crayons (pic)
- I also like Board Books and other learning toys
- Need new clothes - size 24months (2-years)

I hope you'll enjoy the milk and cookies.

Love,
Brandon

Brandon gets his own Room

I finally decided that it's time to start prepping space for Brandon's new room. It was a busy and tiring weekend. His room is just beside the playroom, so it would be perfect and convenient.

We started moving furniture from the computer room into our bedroom and moving the crib from our bedroom to the computer room (which is now Brandon's room). We also put in a single bed beside the crib so then I can co-sleep in the same room when he needs me. Later on, that single bed will be for him when he gets older.

Here are some BEFORE pics.

BEFORE


AFTER


Yes, Brandon gets his own computer. It's old, but it works.

New Tricycle for Brandon

It has been a week since Brandon and I had been battling a cold. We're both still recovering. It's funny how all 3 of us (me, Brandon, and grandma) got sick at the same time. Brandon is doing better since his coughing has stopped. The only medication he took was .75mL of cough syrup (as instructed by our doctor). I try to keep him as comfortable as he can get. The worst thing ever was that he would not go to bed for the past 2 nights and it makes me feel horrible when I'm also feeling sick at the same time.

What I really want to share is this new toy I got for Brandon. It's called the Fisher Price Rock, Roll & Ride Trike. What I like about it is that it's got 3 settings: rocking, transforms into a tricycle when he can reach the pedal, and ride it while I push him. He loves it! He was having so much fun. I do hear a lot of reviews from other parents saying that they have difficulty controlling the direction and having to assist their child in steering. Brandon is still too small to pedal on his own, but I will see how it will work for him when he is bigger/older.

Brandon's First Steps

I've finally uploaded a video of our little Brandon taking his first steps. He is 13-months old and just learning to walk on his own. Lots of improvement within only a few days.

Happy Halloween

This Halloween is Brandon's first time trick-or-treating at the Mall. He's dressed as a cute pumpkin. He wasn't able to walk on his own yet, so daddy helped him walk around. We went to Aberdeen Centre mall in Richmond for lunch and then did some trick-or-treating at the shops. Lots of candy for Brandon. Of course, he's not allowed to eat candy but he had fun going around and getting goodies.


Yay, some candy!


Wow, so much candy!


Look mom, more candy!

Enjoying his treats at home:

Trick or Treat at Local Malls

What's happening next week? We are taking Brandon trick-or-treating for the first time at the Mall.

Oct 31, 2009
Lansdowne Mall, Richmond
Trick-or-treating from 3pm-6pm (or until out of treats)

Metropolis at Metrotown
Candy will be provided for Lower Level stores. Families in the community are welcome to participate. Trick-or-treating will begin at 6pm and will continue as long as quantities last.

We might be also checking out Aberdeen Centre Mall for events during the late afternoon.

More Halloween Mall events are listed on this site: http://www.vancouverhalloween.com.

OxiClean Baby: Review

I've been using OxiClean Baby as my stain remover for Brandon's clothes, even with my clothes. It's safe and has no chemical smells. I'm loving this product.



I'm using the spray bottle for convenience. I've tried cleaning Brandon's pants, which had pen marks, in the washing machine and still couldn't get it out. Then I used the OxiClean I had and it got rid of the marks almost immediately. This is great. I'd recommend this product to anyone.

1-year Immunization Shots

Brandon finally had his 1-year immunization shots. There were 4 of them. This time the doctor injected the needle on his arm (2 on each side) instead of his thigh like before. We don't want the pain on Brandon when he walks. Of course he cried for a bit, but he did very well. An update of the Immunization Schedule can be found here.

Brandon's 1st Birthday

Brandon has just turned 1-year old on September 26th. I held a BBQ party at our place and invited a few close friends and family over. Everything went smooth and everyone had enough to eat. The weather held up with good sunshine, but it was somewhat breezy.

It's late at night now, Brandon is asleep and I finally get to write or do my online work. It's kinda like working graveyards for me. I don't have much time to write a lot since Brandon's night awakenings are unpredictable.

Overall for Brandon's birthday party, everyone had a great time and Brandon got lots of gifts. Brandon was really excited for the new toys. I want to express thanks to her friends for coming over. I took some photos and I've uploaded to my online album here:

MyPhotoAlbum. Enjoy (and feel free to commment)! :)

If you like to view a video I made, click on the play button.



Linked from my YouTube account.

Pampers Codes & Huggies Codes

If you collect Pampers "Gifts to Grow" points or Huggies "Ride The Rewards" points, here are some codes that I thought I'd share. Bonus points for ya! Enjoy!


PAMPERS:

JUSTBECAUSE2009 (1 point)
JOINTHEFUNGTG09 (1 point)


HUGGIES:

BBWSJ TDHDT PTPGB (1 point)
PLWGF ZRJNX FWPGB (5 points)
BCRQB RMLXS BJPGB (5 points)
BBWTN CMZRL PPPGB (1 point)
GWMGG PJXKF LLPGB (5 points expires Nov 30/09)
BBWXT CCRXZ TQPGB (1 point)
BBWZZ RTRRH SKPGB (1 point)
BCXWH SFFSF ZSPGB (1 point)
BBWSJ TDHDT PTPGB (1 point)
QRNXW HLQGC PPPGB (1 point)
BCRLQ TQFXS KCPGB (5 points)
MLXRC CNRWK KWPGB (5 points)
NBDKD QZGDT FJPGB (5 points)
PWZLK XCQNS QSPGB (5 points expires Nov 30/09)
BBMKJ CWQWD GZPGB (1 point)
ZXLRK BTBBM NNPGB (5 points)
HKNZJ ZGMDN KBPGB (5 points)
XZRSS FHSQG FLTMN (5 points)
DDCHK GCBLZ DSPGB (5 points expires Oct 31/09)
KCPBH XMNRB TDPGB (5 points)
JXBQX LWHPP HPPGB (5 points)
BCRRN DTQKC WPPGB (5 points)
BCBCK PXQNK KGPGB (1 point)
BCBHC JXSNF TWPGB (1 point)
BBXJG QPMKN NQPGB (1 point)

More Giveaways from Mom Central

Week 3: September 14-27

Win a Sienna Lights Hurricane from Partylite (Open to US)

Win a LeadConfirm At-Home Lead Test (Open to US and Canada)

Win Cranklz Straps for Crocs from Monkey Lisa (Open to US)

Win a Clorox Gift Set (Open to US)

Win a Barbie and The Three Musketeers DVD (Open to US and Canada)

Win Glow Gluten-Free Cookies (Open to US)

Win a $50 Gymboree Gift Card (Open to US and Canada)

Win Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes (Open to US)

Win a Child's Belt from MySelf Belts (Open to US)

Win a Nintendo DSi (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Fisher Price Trio Building Set (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Copy of MozyHome File Backup (Open to US and Canada)

Week 2: September 7-20

Win a Twill with Scotchguard Sofa Slip Cover (Open to US and Canada)

Win an AT&T Dual Handset Answering System (Open to US and Canada)

Win V8 V-Fusion Juice and an L.L. Bean Tote Bag (Open to US)

Win Kid Kupz (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Jishaku Game (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Customizable Shainswear Eco-Friendly Bracelet Set (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Play-Doh Coco-Nutty Monkey (Open to US)

Win an Omron Pedometer (Open to US and Canada)

Win a Children's Lunch Pack from Built (Open to US and Canada)

Win Stacy's Chips (Open to US)

My Winning Prize from Evenflo

Recently I participated in Mom Central's Summer Giveaway Bonanza and I found that I won two boxes of the Evenflo's Comfort Select Nursing Pads. I was pretty excited when I received the news because I've never won anything online.

It would be nice to try a different brand to see how it compares. I am still nursing Brandon and currently using the La Leche League brand. I have tried other brands such as Gerber and Lansinoh, but I didn't like it as much because the gel crystals would come out and stick onto my skin or my clothing. Sometimes it would leak if I have too much flowing.

The Evenflo I am trying is actually nice and soft and makes no mess. I really like them. It's just as comfortable as the La Leche League brand.


Hope to win bigger prizes such as a new toy for Brandon to use too.

Not Ready to Wean from Breastfeeding

I was about to make my decision to wean Brandon off breastfeeding after he turns 1-year old. I've been trying to sleep train so he can soothe himself to sleep, but the only way he will fall asleep is by nursing during afternoon naps and night. After looking for information online, I came across an article on a website that made me think. Here's the link to the article: Reasons not to Sleep Train (Breastfeeding, Evolution, Safe Infant Sleep & Psychology).

Since I don't feed him formula, I think it is important for Brandon to continue to get all the nutrients he needs from breastmilk. And if he is ready to wean, I will let him make his decision. I hope I can keep up with my supply for the next few months.

Cousin Michelle's Birthday Party

We were invited to our cousin Michelle’s 5th birthday party. Our little Brandon would call her 2nd cousin. The party was held at The Kid’s Adventure Zone at Granville Island, Vancouver. There were lots of toy shops, rides, and a huge play area. Too bad Brandon was still too small to go and climb inside, but he still had a great time. Just a few photos to share…