When Words Just Aren't Enough: Luvs Momoji Keyboard App {$100 AMEX Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Out of all of the motherhood knowledge I've gained in the last nine years, the most prevalent lesson has to be that this is one wild and crazy adventure.

To add to it? No matter what you do in terms of preparing, reading, taking classes, meditating, gathering advice, and more, you'll never really know what you're doing. While initially I thought that maybe once I survived the newborn stage, I'd be more surefooted... then toddlerhood hit and I was back to square one. And don't even get me started on the ups and downs of the preschool years, school-age conundrums, and tween drama.

But could I really describe it all, even if I wanted to? The laughter, the tears, the lack of sleep, and the overall abundance of emotion that comes with parenting? Nope.

Which is why I'm loving the lighthearted way that Luvs has taken the fact that sometimes words just aren't enough by creating the first custom emoji keyboard specifically for moms and dads, the Luvs Momoji Keyboard.

Inspired by experienced parents and their affinity for emoji use, the Luvs Momoji Keyboard gives parents more ways to easily express all the emotions that come with real-life parenting. We're all using emojis as a part of daily language these days, so why not lighten the chaos of the day by communicating a diaper blowout or your toddler's public meltdown in photo form!

Simply download this FREE app (from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or on Google Play for Android devices) and, after a quick tap or two in Settings to have the keyboard displayed, you are all set to use the Luvs emojis characters in SMS and MMS iMessage, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Tango, and Gmail.

How much more fun is it to portray the emotional roller coaster of parenting with your partner, family, and friends with the Luvs Momoji Keyboard rather than just a plain text or message!

As well as having a fun way to communicate with these cute "momojis," the Luvs Momoji Keyboard app is the first to offer access to the latest in emoji technology – the Promoji (promotional emojis) – which helps busy moms hunt for diaper deals on the go. That's right! Along with taking a break to send a message, you can find deals and promotions at the same time!

These Promojis can be accessed directly within the Momoji Keyboard on the Android operating system or via the main Momoji Keyboard app landing page on the iPhone operating system. With this technology, Luvs has now defined itself as the first brand to share coupons, deals and special offers with consumers in a whole new way and make it faster and easier to unlock a bargain. Talk about efficiency!

Experienced parents already know that Luvs diapers provide larger stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection, and a money-back guarantee, but did you know how much savings they can provide over the premium brands? When parents choose Luvs with NightLock over Huggies Snug & Dry, they get outstanding superior overnight protection that locks away wetness 2X better, and they turn diapers into dollars by saving up to $150 per year!

Combine that with the unique new Luvs Momoji Keyboard and the way that its innovative Promojis can save you even more money and it's a win-win for parents on every level.

Speaking of win, if you wouldn't mind talking even more about these fun Momojis with Luvs and entering to win some great prizes at the same time, then you'll want to be sure to join in the Luvs #Momoji Twitter Party with @iConnectIm on December 15, 2015 at 9pm EST!

For more information and to download the Luvs Momoji Keyboard, visit the App Store or Google Play today. To find out more about the quality and savings provided by Luvs Diapers, visit LuvsDiapers.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be even more prepared for superior diaper protection and shopping for deals this holiday season, because...

One lucky person will win a $100 Amex gift card and

(1) package of Luvs diapers in winner's choice of size 1 - 6!

Entry-Form

This review and giveaway was made possible by iConnect Influencer Management and Luvs. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Pregnant or Not? Find Out with the Newly Redesigned First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test!

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Usually when it comes out that my husband and I tried for a full year to get pregnant before we conceived Big Sister E, people are surprised. But honestly, I was surprised it took that long, too.

I felt like everything I had ever been taught or learned in school (or from teen dramas and soap operas) pointed to the fact that the moment you didn't use protection, bang! Pregnant. So how in the world was month after month going by and I wasn't knocked up?

Yet each time I would continue to get my hopes up, only to have to wait the agonizing number of days until I could pull out a pregnancy test, wait until morning ("first urination of the day," I believe they called it), and deal with the awkward, somewhat-gross experience of using it.

Obviously I eventually received the shock and elation of seeing the two pink lines appear and, fast forward to today, I wouldn't change a thing if it meant not having Big Sister E or Little Sister B in our lives. However, if there was a way that I could have gotten the thrill of uncovering a positive pregnancy test result sooner while also avoiding the troublesome and not-always-sanitary moments that come with a home test?

Let's just say that I would have definitely reached for First Response's newly redesigned Early Result Pregnancy Test!

There is no doubt that pregnancy testing has changed drastically over the years. Whereas once they were only analog, now there are digital tests. Instead of the only option for detection being after your missed period, now tests can give you answers before. The advancements are numerous and have made life easier for women everywhere!

But now First Response, the only category leader able to detect pregnancy six days before a missed period, has redesigned their advanced Early Detection Pregnancy Test to make it even better (and a bit less troublesome). There really isn't anything not to love about this newly-engineered "Comfort Sure Design" test stick!

First, the Comfort Sure Design updates the original flat stick into a curved shape with a longer handle that is designed to fit a woman's hand and includes a 50% wider tip. I have heard more than one story from women that have accidentally dropped their pregnancy test right into the toilet, so I'm sure these changes will help lessen that!

Second, the easy-to-read results appear in only three minutes with over 99% accuracy from the day of the expected period. No extended torture waiting for those two pink lines or wondering if what you see is accurate or not!

Finally, this FDA-approved pregnancy test is designed to detect all relevant forms of urinary hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) throughout pregnancy, meaning it can be used anytime of the day as opposed to only first thing in the morning.

In short, these new additions to this already-great product really make the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test stand out far above any other home pregnancy test in terms of early detection, more control and less mess!

Retailing from $8.99 - $15.99, the First Response Early Pregnancy Test is available now at all major drugstores, mass and grocery stores so you know you can always head to your nearest Walgreens or CVS!

Whether you are planning on becoming pregnant, are wondering if you already are, or simply want to be prepared for the future, find out more about the newly redesigned First Response Early Detection Pregnancy Test (and how it would make testing easier and more enjoyable) by visiting FirstResponse.com.

National Mom's Nite Out: The Ultimate Celebration of Motherhood {#NMNO15}

Let's have a little heart-to-heart, shall we, moms?

Think back to the last time you spent an evening out simply chatting and having fun with your best girlfriends. No kids, no dates, no forced attendance to an event or social outing that left you feeling uncomfortable; just laughter and relaxation with your friends.

Now, how long ago was this evening? A few weeks? A few months? Even more? If it's been a while, you're not alone! It's not uncommon for moms to get overwhelmed with responsibilities and full schedules that don't seem to allow for quality time with friends.

Which is exactly why there is no excuse to not put your foot down once a year and join women everywhere annually to celebrate the one and only National Mom's Nite Out!

Founded in 2008, National Mom's Nite Out is an annual event that gives moms the opportunity to join together and celebrate motherhood. Each year, moms all over the world host National Mom's Nite Out events in their homes and communities by inviting their best girlfriends out for a night of fun conversation, snacks, and drinks.

This year, National Mom's Nite Out fell on Thursday, May 7th (don't be bummed that it has already passed, just mark your calendar and start planning for next year's event on May 5th, 2016!) and I was more than happy to have an extra excuse to plan a special evening filled with laughter and friendship with some of my favorite moms!

Even better, a party kit filled with fun activities, recipe and craft ideas, and goodies from names including HP, MyPrintly, Bicycle Playing Cards, Provident Films, Entenmann's, and more arrived to make the night even more unforgettable.

Who wouldn't have fun with a spread like this?

I am respecting a few of my friends' wishes to not include their photographs online, however, I can't help but share a bit of the entertainment and good times that we had with some of these items.

We enjoyed the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Entenmann's Little Bites (chocolate chip!) and all agreed that their delicious pre-portioned pouches are perfect for snacking just about anytime, anywhere. Any leftovers have been going with my girls in school lunches, for after soccer games, and more!

Also, anyone who wanted to had a sample of the Cordina Classic Lime Mar-GO-rita...

...while there was no shortage of drink mix inspiration thanks to the hilarious Bicycle Cocktail Party playing cards.

The look on my friends' faces were priceless when they realized that what looked like a traditional deck of playing cards...

...actually each feature a unique drink recipe right on the cards themselves!

Who knew that you could turn to your deck of cards for recipes for a tasty Mimosa or Grasshopper?

Along with these fun snacks, drinks and games, our Mom's Nite Out was filled with a great deal of talking, catching up and laughter. There is no doubt that, as moms, we cherish and adore our children... but it is just good for the soul to have an evening away with friends just relaxing and being ourselves!

As the party started to wind down, I did make sure that each of my gals took home a goodie bag...

...that included their own deck of Bicycle Cocktail Party playing cards, assorted snacks, candies, a very cool HP Photo Card Pack from MyPrintly (with instructions from me to visit the MyPrintly website to get inspired to create unique and personalized craft projects of their own), and more.

Could I have done more to decorate and plan and prepare for my party? Sure. But did it turn out to be a fantastic, memorable evening anyway simply because it was spent with friends having a great time? Absolutely!

Don't you and your friends deserve to relax, reconnect, socialize and enjoy some well-deserved girl time? Then head over to MomsNiteOut.org to find out much more about this amazing event and how you can participate next year and long into the future. You'll also want to connect with Mom's Nite Out on Twitter and Facebook as well as throughout social media at the hashtag #NMNO15 to see even more great recaps of this year's extravaganzas!

I received free products in order to host a National Mom's Nite Out party, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

#PutYourHeartToPaper This Mother's Day with Hallmark

I have been compensated by Hallmark in exchange for writing this post but the content and opinions are 100% honest and my own.

When was the last time you sat down and wrote a letter to someone? I'm not talking about a quick note to your significant other to remember the upcoming sports practice or to pick up milk, I'm talking about truly putting a pen to paper and writing a letter or sending a heartfelt card. Was it in the past few months? Year? Has it been a few years?

I came across this comic recently and felt as though in our email/text/instant message world, it couldn't have been more accurate:

Right?

With Mother's Day only days away (this Sunday, May 10th!), there couldn't be a better time for each and every one of us to take the time to devote our full attention, feelings and thoughts into jotting down a meaningful message for the moms (whether biological, emotional or both) in our lives. Sure, she would appreciate getting taken out to dinner or a new piece of jewelry, but if you really want to show that you care, just pick up a pen.

To make things even easier, Hallmark has debuted their amazing Put Your Heart To Paper campaign that, along with their beautiful cards (with themes that are sentimental, humorous, nostalgic and more), really leaves you with no excuse to not tell the important women in your life how much you care. Go beyond only saying I love you, I appreciate you and thank you and 'put your heart to paper!'

With so many designs, styles, messages and more in all of their cards, Hallmark makes it a snap to find the perfect ones for all of the maternal relationships in your life. I feel extremely fortunate that I have had many inspirational, strong, caring women in my life and what better time than Mother's Day to celebrate how special they each are to me?

Mom

There's no question that Mother's Day makes me think of how lucky I am to have my mother in my life. She is creative, thoughtful, loving, driven, a bit crazy, and a fantastic Nana to my own children. She is constantly thanking me for helping her out, but really? After all of the years of work, stress and effort that she put in doing her best getting me to this point in my life? No question that I'm more than happy to repay the favor.

Which is why I adore this card for her this Sunday, as the front has a carefully crafted Wonder Woman outfit and the inside reads, "Thanks for always using your powers for good." There isn't anyone that has embodied a superhero more in my life than Mom, so this is perfect! I plan to include a few personal lines of my own thanking her for being awesome as well, because even if I do tell her that from time to time, Mother's Day is precisely when it should be put into writing to help drive it home.

Mother-in-Law

You know the classic stereotype of the evil, overbearing, unapproachable mother-in-law? Now picture the exact opposite and you'll have my husband's mother. She just might be the most kindhearted, caring, always-thinking-of-others, would-do-anything-for-you woman that I've ever met and I'm beyond lucky to get to have her as a second mother. In fact, I love the way that my own mother and my mother-in-law are, on the one hand, complete opposites... yet, on the other, can be so similar.

I really couldn't ask for more and absolutely cherish having such a great relationship with my mother-in-law, while being even more touched seeing the way that she adores my children to no end. For this reason I'm having a hard time deciding between this first card, which reads "A mom's heart is always there — ready to comfort, ready to give, ready to love" on the front and "Wishing you a Mother's Day that makes you feel so loved in return" inside...

...and this second card, which states, "The best moms get promoted to grandmas" and "To the best mom and grandma a family could ever have. We love you." Both cards have the ability to help portray just how much we care and are thankful that she makes our lives better simply by being who she is!

My Mom Friends

For many women, myself included, it takes a while to make other "mom friends" once you've had a child and have realized how life has permanently changed. For me, even though it did take a few years, I am to the point now where the close group of friends that I have do mean the world to me. 

These women know who they are and, whether we are out having dinner and drinks, hanging out at someone's house, chatting during soccer games, saying a quick hello after school, planning play dates for our children, commiserating over the difficulty of motherhood, setting up carpools or much more, their strength, wisdom, support and love are all aspects that make my world turn.

For these amazing ladies, I know that one of Hallmark's humorous cards would be perfect to bring a smile to their faces this Mother's Day. I'm loving quite a few of the options but have to go with this simple, yet adorable card as my favorite. It reads "Good moms let their kids lick the beaters" on the front, followed up with "Great moms turn the mixer off first" on the inside. After I add a few lines about how much I appreciate their friendship and the influence that they have had on my life and it will be ready to go!

My Online Mom

To anyone who doesn't spend so much of their life on a computer, the idea of an online mom friend probably doesn't make much sense. But for me, there is one digital friend that I can turn to not only for advice and to share my thoughts and feelings, but she is inspirational in the way that she is a fantastic mother to her children.

Even though they are grown, they are the center of her world and I can't help but want to reach right through the internet and give her a hug for being such a rock and a source of light to them (and me). This Mother's Day, you deserve this card, Liz, because you truly are "So very loved and admired" and to know that your children and I are "Celebrating you today" (printed on the inside).

This Mother's Day, be sure to take the time to write out a card to the women in your life who surround you with love, advice, companionship, laughter, motivation and more. While it's one thing to simply know how much you appreciate them, it is so important to share that with them!

There is no one way to do it and no need to feel as though you have to be a poet or spend hours coming up with precisely the right words, that's what Hallmark is for! Their cards can easily express your feelings and give you the perfect starting point to add your own personal message. Wouldn't the amazing mother figure(s) in your life be absolutely thrilled if you put your heart to paper and told her how much she means to you?

Find out more about Hallmark's Put Your Heart To Paper campaign (and see their tear-inducing videos) by visiting PutYourHeartToPaper.com and connect with anything and everything Hallmark on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Then get to your nearest Hallmark store right away to pick up cards in time for Mother's Day!

Celebrate All of the Amazing 'Firsts' with Pampers and Pampers Swaddlers {$50 AMEX Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

 

Out of all of the motherhood knowledge I've gained in the last eight years, the most prevalent lesson has to be that this is one wild and crazy adventure.

To add to it? No matter what you do in terms of preparing, reading, taking classes, meditating, gathering advice, and more, you'll never really know what you're doing. While initially I thought that maybe once I survived the newborn stage, I'd be more surefooted... then toddlerhood hit and I was back to square one. And don't even get me started on the ups and downs of the preschool years, school-age conundrums, and tween drama.

But, in the end, it really does go by just as quickly as everyone says it does. My own parents have told me time and time again how fast the years pass by and, although it took until I had children of my own to fully comprehend what they were getting at, they are completely correct. How else could it be that it feels as though I blinked and both of my babies turned into full-fledged... people?

My heart. It aches for the cuteness.

And, as if it wasn't enough that I have plenty of photos and videos of my own that I can go through when I'm feeling nostalgic for my girls' younger years, one of my favorite baby brands, Pampers, has also taken all of my thoughts and choked-up feelings and put them into a short video of their own.

This isn't just another company claiming to understand parenthood and the importance of each and every heartfelt moment that mothers (and fathers, too, of course) spend with their babies, Pampers has put a spotlight directly on the joy, wonder and amazement of every precious 'first' that families experience.

First heartbeat, first ultrasound, first cry, first kiss, first day home from the hospital... big or small, they're all a part of the parenthood journey that each and every one of us cherishes and holds near and dear to our hearts.


I'm not the only one who got a little teary-eyed watching that, right?

The number of emotions that this video brings up for me is staggering, as I can easily remember being so overwhelmingly happy about having a new little one in my life while yet also having so much to worry about.

Fortunately, one thing that I never lost sleep over was diapers. From quite literally their first day here, both of my children were wrapped in Pampers Swaddlers (Pampers Swaddlers is the #1 choice of hospitals in North America!) and they stayed as our family's favorite ever since.

As the first diaper worn by millions of babies, Pampers Swaddlers are able to wrap little ones with superior comfort, protection and blanket-like softness, helping to take care of babies during all the precious first moments they share with their parents.

As major bonuses, Pampers Swaddlers feature a color changing wetness indicator that signals when baby may need to be changed and an Absorb Away Liner® to pull wetness and mess away from delicate skin. Add that to the fact that these diapers offer up to 12 hours of overnight protection and its no wonder that they're the must-have way for moms, dads and babies to spend more time happy together.

Thank you for being a part of my family's (and millions around the world) journey of firsts, Pampers!

Ready to talk even more about this amazing adventure of firsts? And win prizes at the same time? Then join in the #PampersFirsts Twitter Party!

When: Wednesday, February 11th at 9pm EST (that's 8pm CST and 6pm PST).

Where: #PampersFirsts

Hosts: @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca, @AngieKcom, @WhatMommiesNeed, @RamblingChick and party sponsor @Pampers.

Prizes include:

• 14 prize packages with a $150 value!
• 2 grand prizes with a $450 value!

Find out more and RSVP here!

I hope that you'll join this great Twitter Party next Wednesday so that you can talk even more about the incredible journey of firsts that parenthood is all about (and hopefully take home a great prize at the same time)!

In the meantime, be sure to visit Pampers.com to find out more about all of their high quality products (did you know that Pampers Swaddlers are now available all the way through size 6? The Pampers Swaddlers softness we all know and love can stick around throughout all of your diapering years!), as well as connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be ready to comfort and protect their baby through their entire journey of amazing firsts as well, because...

One lucky person will win an amazing
Pampers Firsts Prize Pack (ARV ~$100)*!

*Prize Pack includes: $50 AMEX Gift Card, "Love You to the Moon and Back" Necklace, Baby’s First Year Keepsake Calendar, Guess How Much I Love You Board Book, Pampers Swaddlers Size 6, Pampers Wipes

Entry-Form

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

I'm Inspired by Pampers to Say "Thanks, Baby" to Both of My Children {$75 Target Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, the focus tends to center on finding the right gifts, cards, flowers and more to show Mom just how much she is loved, right?

And, while I'm sure that each and every one selected is appreciated, it's really the thought behind it all that matters most to Mom. After all, it is undeniable that there is a incomparable bond between Mom and Baby — it takes the birth of her baby before Mom becomes a mom and her life will never be the same!

In celebration of this amazing event and the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, Pampers has put together an incredible video thanking Baby for the life-changing love they give every day. Highlighting the wonderful and sometimes unexpected things Mom learns from Baby on the journey of motherhood, you're not going to want to miss a single second of this...

But, wait! As well as the touching, heartwarming message, every view that this #ThanksBaby video receives between May 2nd and May 25th will result in Pampers donating one diaper to Feeding America (up to one million diapers)!

PRESS PLAY!


Dear Big Sister E and Little Sister B,

Although I did exist before you two were born, I'm not wholly convinced that it wasn't a completely separate lifetime than after you arrived. How is it possible that there was a time that you weren't around? That my understanding of Elizabeth Stone's quote...

"Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

...would not only happen once, but twice?

No matter how much I learned in my years before becoming a mother, the two of you have taught me an immeasurable number of lessons about life. I'd never be able to list them all, of course (who knew that eating the frozen peas while they were still frozen would be better?), but the five that come to mind first are:

There is more than one way to do things. As adults, we think that we have all the answers (or can Google them, at least) and know all of the best ways of doing things. But from the time you were babies, you showed me that everything from making homemade baby food to taking a walk to the park can be done differently. And that's okay. Be flexible!

Forgive and forget. If anyone can teach me about not holding a grudge, it's the two of you. No matter what the situation or how offended you may have been (usually at each other), you're able to bounce back to being perfectly happy and content a minute later. Would I be much happier if I could move on just as quickly? Absolutely.

Love people for who they are. One thing that has always amazed me is the way that the two of you can make friends with anyone, anywhere. Boys, girls, younger, older, every possible race, it doesn't matter, there is no judgement. Child you've never met in the sandbox? Two minutes in and you'll be laughing and building together as if you've known each other for years. New kid has transferred into your class? Instant BFF's.

Who cares what people think? Seeing the two of you grasp life with both hands, use your imaginations and make the best out of any situation no matter what has always inspired me. Why waste time and energy worrying if I'll look silly or what other people think when I should be confident in myself? Besides, it's much more fun to pretend that there are alligators dressed up as old ladies while waiting at the bus stop instead of just standing there!

Love and laughter truly is the best medicine. No matter what kind of mood you two are in, all it takes is a pointless knock-knock joke, a crazy face or even the merest hint of a burp or fart, and you two convulse in giggles. Laughter has a way of connecting us and bringing light to any situation, so if we all stopped taking every single thing quite so seriously, the world would be a happier place!

Bonus #6: Patience. You both know that this one is a work in progress and a continuing struggle of mine. How is it possible that the people that mean the most to us are the ones that frustrate us so much more than anyone else? It takes so much more patience to be a parent than I ever could have imagined, but you know what? You're both so, so, so worth it.

When a baby is born, a mother is born and, my darling Big Sister E and Little Sister B, you two have made the past 7½ of motherhood more remarkable, memorable and completely exceptional than I ever could have dreamed. Thank you both for everything you've taught me. You're my heart, you're my soul, you're my everything.

Love, Mama

---

Ready to talk even more about the amazing bond between mothers and babies? And win prizes at the same time? Then join in the #ThanksBaby Twitter Party!

When: Thursday, May 8th at 9pm EST (that's 8pm CST and 6pm PST).

Where: #ThanksBaby

Hosts: @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca, @AngieKcom, @WhatMommiesNeed, @RamblingChick and party sponsor @Pampers.

Prizes include:

• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $50 Sephora Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Gallery Direct Gift Card
• 2 packs of Swaddlers and a BOB Revolution Jogging Stroller ($350) Stroller and FitBit Zip ($50)

Find out more and RSVP here!

I hope that you'll join this great Twitter Party next Thursday so that you can talk even more about the incredible lessons that babies everywhere are teaching us daily (and hopefully take home a great prize at the same time)!

In the meantime, be sure to visit Pampers.com to find out more about all of their high quality products, as well as connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be ready to celebrate the special bond with their children as well, because...

One lucky person will win a "Thanks, Baby" Prize Pack*
from Pampers (ARV $100)!

*Prize Pack includes a $75 Target gift card, Pampers size 5 diapers, Pampers Wipes, a silver picture frame and a Gymboree Baby Play book.

Entry-Form

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Growing Up Can Wait Until Another Day {#CherishChildhood with Gymboree}

Does this ever happen to you? You're looking for one particular photo or set of photos from years ago, so you head to your collection (whether digital, printed, in a scrapbook or more) and, hours later, you've found that you've taken a major trip down memory lane instead? It always manages to tug at the heartstrings a bit, doesn't it?

But how can I help it when I come across these adorable baby faces... and it frightens me to think of how quickly the years have passed right before my eyes?

While nearly all of the baby fat is gone and they've long outgrown any clothing that is sized by months, those bright, curious, grab-hold-of-life-and-make-the-most-of-it eyes are definitely still the same.

But these days, instead of getting to see these two begin to walk, talk or feed themselves, I have the privilege of being here to see them learn, discover themselves, and experience the world and all that it has to offer.

Even better, they are still so young and innocent that there are times that they draw me into their virtuous world right along with them. What would it be like to escape the stresses and deadlines and pressures that we all have... and, instead, the biggest worry of your morning might be whether or not your favorite type of cracker is going to be served for snack later today?

In essence, childhood is an amazing time (hopefully) filled with laughter and creativity and imagination. Of course I'm eager to see my girls grow up and find out what sort of women they become, but, for now, I am making a conscious effort to carpe diem. Seize the day! Put aside my own adult negativity and cherish childhood while it's here in front of me.

Which is why I adore the #CherishChildhood campaign that Gymboree has launched and this incredibly touching video that goes along with it:


They're so right!

It's far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our everyday that we forget that it's okay to set it all aside and just play. Before I know it, the day will come that these faces aren't around me non-stop, do I really want to end up regretting the times that I was too busy to build a rocket or have a tea party with fairies?

If you'll excuse me, I've got a few hugs to give out and some cherishing of childhood to go do.

I was provided a gift from Gymboree in exchange for my time writing this post, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

Kids and Cell Phones: AT&T Mobile Safety School Webinar

When I come across pictures of my daughters from when they were babies (or even from toddlerhood), I often feel as though I can't tear my eyes away from studying every inch of the image.

No, not necessarily out of nostalgia or because I'm sentimental, but because I look at the photos and wonder how it's possible that the years have gone by so quickly. These full-fledged kids were once these little, toothless, grinning, innocent beings?

When I look at my girls now, I'm filled with mixed feelings. Things like love and pride, of course, but also with anticipation and nervousness over what the future holds and for all of the encounters and situations that they might be in that could cause them sadness, heartbreak or worse.

Therefore, when it comes to their safety, I'm always looking for ways that we can increase the likelihood of staying connected — whether it means them calling home for a ride, letting me know they're safe after driving in bad weather or more. Which is why I was happy to participate in a recent AT&T Mobile Safety webinar and find out tips, tools, resources and stats that I can utilize to keep my family safe as my kids get into the world of cellular devices.

AT&T knows that mobile phones are an important part of family life today, and they help parents stay connected with their children. But, along with the practical use of phones comes other issues: bullying, privacy, texting while driving and others. So, what does "wireless safety" truly mean and how can that information benefit families?

After developing their Mobile Safety program, AT&T has made it possible to educate parents on what safety means when it comes to mobile devices, and to provide resources that help parents navigate this day-to-day issue in their homes.

For starters, AT&T conducted a study of 1,000 parents and 500 kids – ages 8-17 – on a variety of topics that relate to mobile phones, devices and other issues. What they found may or may not surprise you: the average age that a child receives their first mobile phone is 12. Not when they start driving or even when they hit the teenage years, but 12.

While we have a couple years until Big Sister E reaches 12, I'm actually not sure about whether or not we would consider getting her a phone at that age. On the one hand that seems young and unnecessary... but, on the other hand, I can see the large benefits (and my relief) at being able to reach her at all times.

The stat that I have a more difficult time wrapping my head around is that AT&T Mobile Safety found that of kids who have mobile phones, 34% of those have smartphones.

Although being able to check in with my daughter to make sure she is safe appeals to me, the thought that she could have the internet at her fingertips at any point of the day does not. Do I want her to call me to tell me that her soccer practice has been cancelled and she is going to a friend's house? Yes. Do I want her watching who-knows-what inappropriateness on YouTube? Not so much.

When it comes to concerns about cell phones, attending this webinar showed me that I'm not alone with many of my thoughts and fears. In fact, AT&T has found:

So it looks like parents have every right to be worried!

While I was beginning to fret as I thought about all of the issues that we would have to deal with as soon as my girls get mobile phones, AT&T Mobile Safety had some great suggestions that can help:

1. Decide if a mobile phone is right for your child. There is no magic age as to when a child "should" have a cell phone. Every family is different, and this is a personal decision that happens within the family unit. One of the resources offered by AT&T Mobile Safety is an article titled "My First Phone," that lists many great recommendations as to when and why to give mobile phones to kids.

2. Set rules! While 66% of kids said they do have rules on their phone usage, 90% said they would be OK with their parents setting rules. Now that's an opportunity! Although some parents might not be setting rules because they don't think their kids will follow them, it appears that may not be the case.

There is no need for kids to be texting during dinner, charging their phones in their bedrooms (a great idea is to charge all phones in the parents' bedroom to know that they aren't being used all through the night), and, of course, definitely no talking or texting while driving

3. Talk to your kids about mobile safety. Two out of five kids say their parents have not talked to them about mobile safety, and they are more likely to have heard from their parents about stranger danger, alcohol, drugs and sex education than cell phone safety. While these are the standard safety issues that kids learn about from their parents and at school, these other issues are a reality for kids in today's world.

4. Limit texting. AT&T has a product called Smart Limits for wireless. Costing only $4.99 per month, parents are able to set a monthly limit for the number of text messages that their child can send.

5. Model good phone behavior. As with just about everything else in life, kids are learning a lot of their mobile phone behaviors from adults. Therefore, if we aren't talking on the phone while driving, texting at the dinner table or checking our email every free second of the day, our kids won't see those as normal behaviors.

In the end, AT&T has realized that families need tools and tips to address the growing list of wireless safety issues. As their goal is to empower parents to start the conversation about mobile safety and move away from focusing on restricting their children's connectivity, they have put together a variety of resources to help parents.

From learning what other families are doing through videos, or downloadable tip sheets, the AT&T Mobile Safety website has a wealth of information available to anyone who is interested. Plus, you can join in the discussion about safety issues, while exchanging tips and advice... while also winning prizes! Join the AT&T Mobile Safety Twitter party on November 9 at 2p ET at #ATTMobileSafety!

I received compensation from AT&T and The Motherhood as part of my participation in this campaign. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are honest and my own.

Be Informed with AT&T Mobile Safety School {$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

I have no doubt that some day, when my kids understand that I grew up in the time before cell phones, they will deem me as being extremely old.

However, I have to admit, it's often difficult to remember what life was like before we had the technology that we do today. How in the world did we stay connected?

So while I'm thankful that I will worry less about my girls being able to get a hold of me whenever and wherever they need to, I can't ignore the issues that come along with our advancements. Instead of fretting that my daughters will need to find a way to call for a ride home, I'll spend sleepless nights thinking about things like bullying, privacy, texting while driving, and more. Ugh.

Fortunately, there are companies like AT&T that are working on providing tips, tools and resources for parents to not only help their families stay connected, but also stay safe.

Knowing that today's technology allows families to be more connected than ever but that it also brings about new, important issues that can't be ignored, AT&T has developed an important new initiative: AT&T Mobile Safety. 

With everything from products to resources to downloads, AT&T Mobile Safety can help you manage your family's wireless service, help your teen make the most of mobile technology, stress the importance of not texting while driving, and much more.

I don't know about you, but I see information such as what AT&T found in their Mobile Safety Study and it sends fear shooting through every part of my body:

When it comes to my kids, safety is of the utmost importance so I appreciate that AT&T has made a commitment to be a leader in providing education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety.

If you are interested in learning more, AT&T is offering the opportunity to one of my readers to attend a virtual Mobile Safety School session (I'll be attending as well)! The schedule options include:

• Oct. 23 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 8-11
• Oct. 24 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 12-14
• Oct. 25 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 15-17

I look forward to (virtually) seeing one of you there!

Plus, thanks to their generosity, AT&T wants to make life a little easier for that person as well, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 Visa gift card and the opportunity to attend a live virtual AT&T Mobile Safety School briefing with experts!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received compensation from AT&T and The Motherhood as part of my participation in this campaign. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are honest and my own.