Thursday, August 29, 2013

A Small Yolk Sack - Throwback Thursday

I have been thinking a lot lately about my Brayden and how close we were to having a singleton pregnancy - and how much we would have missed out on if he hadn't made it.

You see, we found out we were pregnant very early, and as I had some abdominal pain, the doctor recommended an early ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.  I remember asking the doctor - "do we need to rule out twins because of the chlomid?"  "Oh no" he said "the chances of twins are still very slim.  Don't worry about it."

After trying to conceive without luck for a year, our doctor had put us on the lowest dose of chlomid available and told me that it would only increase my chances from 2% to 5%.  Nothing to worry about right?  We'd hardly given it a second thought especially after the doctor's assurance that we were fine.

When we got to the ultrasound appointment, the tech informed us that there would be a split screen "Don't worry - it doesn't mean you're having twins" she told us.  "You'll see the split screen with one live image and one where I'll freeze the screen to snap the picture."

The whole time Dan and I chatted along, with the tech asking us general questions about ourselves and our pregnancy without saying much in identifying what she was seeing.  I was so clueless - I had no idea what I was looking at either.

"Is everything okay?" I asked - worried still about the potential of complications.  "It's definitely not ectopic" she said and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I had no idea... I mean - ZERO idea that there were two for the vast majority of my ultrasound.  The first clue I had was when she listened to the heartbeat, and then went back again, and listened to it twice.  She must have needed to confirm the rate I figured.

Even when she typed Baby A and Baby B on the screen for the first time, I didn't assume it was two babies.  Pictures from two different angles right?  Like the top side and bottom side?

When she was all finished, she wiped the gel off of my belly and said very calmly.  "Let me tell you what I'm seeing here.  There are two embryos, both with good heart beats." I about fainted.  Holy sh*t. Two babies - two babies - TWO BABIES!  "How will we ever pay for college?" were the first words out of my mouth to Dan.  (Looking back, how naive I was for this to be the biggest concern)

The tech interrupted my moment though, needing to finish.  "I am seeing though, that Baby A's yolk sack is very small in comparison to Baby B.  You need  to realize that sometimes, when pregnancies are diagnosed so early, one embryo could absorb."

So there we had it... We had two babies, after trying and wanting them so badly, but one might not make it.  You love your babies instantly - from the moment you know they exist.  And for me, I'd already fallen in love with this one baby in my belly - but now there were two?  In some ways I almost felt betrayed by the fact that all the bonding I'd been doing with my vision of a "child" was in vain.  I got over that quickly though, and started the process of worrying about Baby A.

So what did this mean - a twin with a smaller yolk sack?  I called my doctor frantically, wanting answers.  "What were our chances?  When would we be in the clear?  Why does this happen and can anything be done?"

Like it seems is often the response in early pregnancies - nature had to take it's course.  They had no answers, no research or statistics.  Armed with the internet and a world of online medical journals, we began searching.  What we found was, that based on his measurements, Baby A had a 50% chance of making it.  While my heart was overjoyed to have two, it ached with worry and fear that we'd loose half of our double blessing.

I should point out here, that I have learned so much in my short time as a mom.  One of these things is that God doesn't worry - He always knew Brayden would make it.  He never feared for the sweet baby in my belly, He already knew how many golden hairs would be on little Brayden's head.  So when we're biblically told not to worry and to trust fully in God - it's for good reason.

For the next few months, I was so fearful that the next ultrasound would reveal only one remaining twin - vanishing twin syndrome, where one baby "disappears," absorbing into the other.  But each time, there he was.  Still with a small sack, but there none the less.  He was thriving, and while I don't remember the date - we were eventually assured that whatever risks he faced in early pregnancy were gone once he started making his own amniotic fluid and no longer relied on a yolk sack.

Because his sack was always a little smaller, we eventually knew that the the boy was the one we'd been praying for for all those months.  My sweet Brayden...  How different my life would have been if our coin had flipped the other way.

Twins Small Yolk Sack




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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

DidiPop Review and Giveaway

I have been getting excited about writing this review for weeks now - really I have.  I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to one of the babies' favorite musicians, to whom we have been listening  since they were only a few months old.

We were first lucky enough to be introduced to DidiPop after winning a giveaway through another favorite blog and since then, we've been hooked.

Deborah Poppink Hirshland (also known as DidiPop) has been making music since she was a child.  After a successful career teaching music to celebrity clients and making music for television and film, she became a mother and started recording some of the tunes she created for her own children.

DidiPop music is above all things, fun and entertaining.  I am not ashamed to admit that I know the words to almost all of the songs on the first two albums and am quickly learning those of the third.  I really believe she makes me a better mom - turning off my top twenty or talk radio to sing along to her joyful songs with the kids bopping in the back.  Sure there's plenty of kids music available - but only DidiPop is enjoyable enough for me that I willingly go for the dial.  The truth is, she is one of MY favorite artists too - and it's a good thing since we listen almost constantly.  

DidiPop's first release, DidiPop Goes to Hawaii has a special place in our hearts as lovers of of the islands ourselves.  The bouncy tunes, many featuring my beloved ukulele, give it a summertime feel that brings welcome warmth to any time of year.  I always get a kick out of Sugar Cane Train which takes the listeners to on a ride through Maui, visiting "Lahaina Station" - one of our favorite places to visit in Maui.  "Way Up High" is another favorite telling the story of a pair of love birds, with beautifully blending harmonies.  I slow this one down a bit, singing it to Julie frequently while we rock together in her room.  "The Hawaiian Alphabet Song" won Deborah the well deserved Grand Prize in the Children's Music category of the John Lennon Song Writing Contest.  While we don't have plans to travel to Hawaii with our kids yet, I'm thrilled that they can get a dose of the Aloha Spirit through this fantastic album!

Everyday Adventures is DidiPop's second release, and the perfect soundtrack to your every day life.  We love breakfast time singalongs with the peppy "tush on the cush."  We sing "look at yourself in the mirror" anytime the babies find their reflections.  "Feed the Pet" is a frequent culprit as the song that just won't get out of my head (not that I mind), and "Yellow Banana" catches a tune every time we have bananas, rice, apples, toast, or yogurt on the menu.  I made it my personal mission to learn all the words to "The Cool Alphabet Song" and can proudly say that I accomplished my goal.  

The newest release from DidiPop, Bunny in the Moon will put you to sleep.  No really - that's what it's intended to do!  This innovative album sings kids through their evening routine of bath, pajamas, teeth brushing and goodnights, then slowly eases them into relaxation, lullabied to sleep. We've been working in our house to find a better routine, and Bunny in the Moon helps us stay on track!  "Bathtime" is a light tune reminiscent of bubblegum doo-wop and we love that our old friend Max the dog makes an appearance!  "Snuggle Up" is another favorite to unwind, the anthem for bedtime cuddles and story time.  We first fell in love with "Oceans of Love" when we heard it on Everyday Adventures, but this new version, intertwined with rich stringed harmonies warms my heart.

So if you couldn't tell already, I am in love with DidiPop music.  I imagine looking back on these days when my kids have grown, and reminisce of our days singing and dancing along.  We were so lucky to have "discovered" her music, and am excited to have been able to bless your family with the same introduction.  

One lucky reader will win their choice of a DidiPop Digital CD Download.  Enter by completing the rafflecopter tasks below!  And while you're entering, be sure to visit www.youtube.com/didipopmusic and start listening to your kid's new favorite artist.  Her animated music videos are so entertaining that she's about to reach 6 million views!


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Monday, August 26, 2013

Ultimate Kid Friendly First Aid Kit

Kid Friendly First Aid Kit


As you may know, I used to work for the Girl Scouts, and through my experience with them, learning to "be prepared" became a way of life.  Now as a mom, I like to make sure I have everything on hand - expecting the unexpected.

When it came time to make a First Aid Kit for my car, I knew I wanted it to be complete, kid friendly, easily organized, and portable.  And inexpensive - you can't forget that part!  While you might be able to buy a better commercial version, you'll be hard pressed to find a better home made first aid kit anywhere!

I started with an old cosmetic case (this one was once filled with makeup as an Ulta Set).  I like that the platforms slide out to make everything instantly accessible without having to dig through a bag.

Cosmetic Case First Aid Kit



First Aid Kit for Kids

While the case is great, closing securely and easily carried with a sturdy handle, it's what's inside that really matters!  One of my favorite inclusions is my threaded stacking tubes I picked up for $1 each from Target.  Inside I have a little pharmacy of pain relievers to keep us feeling comfortable where ever we go!

First Aid Kit Pill Container


Check out what's inside my Kid Friendly Ultimate First Aid Kit below!

Kid Friendly First Aid Kit Contents

What's in my kit?

Medicines:

1 - Stacking Tubes with Tylenol, Aleve, Asprin and Ibuprophin, Exlax, Immodium, Pepto, Tums, and Allergy Pills

2 - Emetrol for Nausea - This syrup is great for easing queasy stomachs for both kids and adults.

3 - Baby Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fevers or pain

4 - Dramamine for Motion Sickness

First Aid:

5 - Bandaids and Gauze Pads of all shapes and sizes including printed band aids for kids!

6 - Alcohol and No Sting Cleansing Pads

7 - Paper Soap for Washing Wounds

8 - Gauze Wrap for burns or wounds

9 - Ace Bandage for twists and sprains

10 - Medical Tape for holding gauze

11 - First Aid Spray (for Kids) Cream (for us)

12 - Plastic Gloves

13 - Instant Ice Pack

14 - Tweezers for Splinters

Fevers:

15 - Be Koool Fever Sheets:  We absolutely love these as they not only help reduce fevers, but are very soothing to sick little ones, or adults with headaches.

16 - Thermometer

Baby Care:

17 - Q-Tips and Baby Nail Files

18 - Diaper Rash Cream:  We like the samples we got with formula samples when the kids were newborns.

19 - A&D Ointment

Skin and Stings:

20 - Topical Benadryl for Kids

21 - After Bite for Kids

22 - Sting Soothers

23 - Sunscreen Stick (since we always forget)

24 - Baby Powder for chafing

Eyes:

25 - Contact Case and Solution for Mom (could also be used as an emergency eye wash)

It's a tight squeeze - but it's all in there!  What's in your first aid kit for kids?  Leave a comment and we'll add it to our list!

A few disclaimers:  I am not a medical professional, and therefore this list is not provided as medical advice.  I do keep my kit in the car, and while I acknowledge that heat and sun can reduce the efficiency of medicines, we feel that having a less effective product is better than not having it with us at all.  Our car is typically in a weathered garage so less damage is done.  I am aware that medical professionals recommend keeping medicines in original, child-proof containers, but believe that our case is kept safely out of tiny hands for the time being.


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Saturday, August 24, 2013

DVD Giveaway - Standing Up against Bullying!

As a mom, I've been hopeful that one little perk of having twins will be that my kids will be there to "protect" each other during the cruel moments of childhood bullying.  I can already tell that my Julie will be a child who "marches to the beat of a different drum" - just as I was as a child.  For me, that difference resulted in a lot of bullying growing up.  It wasn't until halfway through High School, when I found my place in music and theater, that my confidence really grew and I fell into my own identity.  Since my own days in school, it seems like kids have even further lost their filters, and the brutality of bullying is intense and widespread.  It scares me as a mom...

According to Pacer.org, more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied.

One of the best things we can do to understand the problem and discuss solutions is to be inspired. The new movie “Standing Up” is THAT inspiration.

Based on one of the most beloved Young Adult novels of all time and directed by the acclaimed D.J. Caruso, Standing Up follows two kids who get bullied by a vicious summer camp prank. Left together on an island, their adventure begins once they decide not to be victims and instead they Stand Up! 

Standing Up is an adorable and heart-warming gem of a movie with an important anti-bullying message that’s suitable for the whole family! Get the DVD August 20!

What can be done to help the bullied “stand up” for themselves?

Discover more about Standing Up by watching the trailer, taking the quiz and signing the Anti-Bullying pledge through the blog app below!



My Tales with Two is excited to be partnering with Standing Up to giveaway a free Signed Copy of the new movie to share with your family, friends or students!  Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below!


 



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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Busy by Choice

I can't remember where I read it the other day (probably on someone's facebook wall link or huffpost referral) but I fell across an article talking about how when asked, the most common response to "how have you been" is "oh so busy."  It went on to say that "busy" is valued in our society, it means that you've got worth, value and demand enough to BE busy.  It talked about how this "busy" is by our own hand and choice, filling our calendars with something to do every moment of the day.

(After further googling, I found the article I read, and impressed that it was New York Times!)

So it got me thinking about my own time and how BUSY I am on a daily basis.  I could share my daily agenda, but it'd make you dizzy.  I'm constantly providing food/drink or changing a diaper or breaking up a fight or rescuing from danger or calming a hurt child.  It's absolutely non-stop.  And on top of it, I'm checking one of my three gmail accounts, answering a text, seeing who liked my latest post in my ribbon or mommy facebook group, getting a beep when my best friend posts yet another meme, or when someone finally paid their hairbow invoice.

It's a lot, managing toddler twins, a small business, a blog, and volunteering for organizations.  There's day's I feel like I'm over doing it, that if I could simply just let all the rest fall away and focus completely on my kids, that I'd be less exhausted from getting five hours of sleep on an average night.

But ya know what?  I have a choice.  And I choose to be Type A - a veritable game of Diner Dash balancing all of my spinning plates at once.  I need something all my own, and these things are the slivers that still exist of myself - the me not intrinsically tied to my kids.

Simply put, we don't need the money.  I've surely invested more in this business this first year than I'll ever get out of it.  What I do need is my sanity, and having this identity independent of my kids keeps me sane.

I am busy by choice.

Do my kids suffer?  I hope not and try to fully believe that they don't.  I try desperately not to be "the iPhone mom" and to be fully present with my kids when we're playing outside or reading or at the playground or museum.  But am I checking my messages at the stoplight?  Answering messages while they eat breakfast?  Texting while they chase each other around the house?  Sure am - and fingers crossed I won't be regretting it some day.

Someone told me recently that I can't have it all - that either I need to be home and fully home, or work and fully work.  In this age of technology, how can this be true?  How are my kids not better off at home with me, safe and supported, even if I am slightly distracted or working on something while they watch Bubble Guppies?

Clearly I'm still working on balance - and with a little luck, it'll come soon enough.  In the mean time, when a good friend asks how I'm doing, "busy" is the answer I'll give, knowing that busy means I'm choosing to meet the needs of my kids, but also my own.  My needs for challenge and an outlet for my drive are all here supported by my choice to be busy.


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Thursday, August 15, 2013

My Favorite No Bean Chili Recipe

It was only in the mid 50's this morning here in Pittsburgh - such strange weather for August!  We dressed in long sleeves  and jeans, with pairs of summer abomination - socks.  In honor of the chilly weather, I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes I've recently fallen in love with - No Bean Chili.

I never grew up eating chili as I didn't (and still don't) like beans.  After discovering this recipe, it's become a family favorite - one I even like to enjoy while I'm on my Weight Watchers wagon.
Delicious No Bean Chili Recipe!  Fall Food



Heather's No Bean Chili

My recipe is base on the one found here but with a few extras thrown in.

1 lb Ground Beef
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Large Onion, chopped
1 T Red Pepper Flakes (or more to taste)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 T Dried Oregano
2 T Chili Powder
2 T Frank's Red Hot
BKW Steak Seasoning (optional)
1 Can (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
1 Can Diced Tomatoes
1/4 c Red Wine Vinegar

Suggested Toppings Frito's, (Light) Sour Cream, additional fresh chopped onion, (light) cheddar cheese

First, brown the ground meat in the bottom of a dutch oven, adding onion and garlic when almost cooked through.  Season the meat with the Red Pepper Flakes, Salt and Pepper (I do 5 cranks) Chili Powder, Oregano and Red Hot stirring to coat evenly.  Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Diced Tomatoes (with the juice) and vinegar, stirring to combine.  Bring to a boil then turn to low and simmer for as long as you can stand to wait - at least 20 minutes.  

My recipe removed the Cumin from the original recipe, and adds red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes.  I like the extra spice and heartiness!  I also add some steak seasoning from time to time.  It definitely adds a little something, but it's delicious without as well. 


I recommend loading it up with lots of toppings mentioned above.  If you're watching your calories, by using low fat beef, light sour cream and light cheese, you have a "point" friendly dinner that will really fill you up!   




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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Snip Snip Sniffle

When Brayden got his hair trimmed right around his first birthday, I was so proud of what a champ I was!  Not a sniffle to be snuffed or a tear to be trickled.  I was just so glad to see that little "rat tail" disappear!

But lately, my adorable little shaggy "surfer boy" has been having trouble seeing through the hair hanging in his eyes, and I knew it was time.  So since my mom was ready to head home after spending most of last week here making piles of hair bows, we figured we better get out the scissors.

Brayden did so well, munching on his chocolate, sucking down a "squish pouch" and laughing at his Dad's distracting antics.  I on the other hand did not fair as well - tearfully looking away as my baby turned into a little boy right before my eyes.  (Here I go again - waterworks as I type).  And I know how ridiculous it is -  he's still the same Brayden with or without his hair.  But I struggle knowing that it'll never be quite the same.
My Dad tried reminding me that I haven't lost anything, just have lots of things to look forward to with each age.  Sorry to say, that doesn't make it any easier.  I realize how blessed I am every day and, much like a little child, feel like I like these days the best.

And in my own feminist ways, I make it more complicated than it probably is - pondering how for the first time, cultural norms have physically altered his appearance.  Julie's feminine curls still hang from her head while Brayden's waves are on my deck.  It's just the beginning of the man he'll have to become - the man that will grow up and move away to lead his own family.  Yes, I know I'm probably taking it a little far, but I'm a sappy mama here and my mind has a tenancy to take things down the road a bit.

He looks handsome and I'm sure I'll get used to it.  My mom did a great job courtesy of youtube and her 20 year past experiences.  In the meantime though, I'm going to pout and wait for it to grow back.

For your comparison - Brayden before and after his "sheering."



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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

iTunes Giveaway and Touch 'n Sing Review


Brayden and Julie are getting to the age where anything musical is just thrilling - they smile, bop their head and dance along.  When you pair this with the colorful excitement of my cell phone or tablet, it becomes a great combination that will really hold their attention!




We recently had the opportunity to check out a new app for kids from SumahoMAMA called Touch 'n Sing and it was a total hit!  The app has been out or a while on itunes and recently launched for android.  Designed for kids aged 2-7, Touch 'n Sing (short for Touch and Sing Along Picture Book) hopes to entertain and engage with bright colors, movement and music, while adding a touch of education.

The app is actually a suite of smaller games which kids can access from one place.  The app is free to download and includes two free games - The Hokey Pokey and The Alphabet Game.  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is also a special freebie until September 1st.  These three are great to get started and my kids loved the songs so much that they'd run across the room to play when I opened the app.  At only 19 months, they're a little young for some of the games, but still loved the cause and effect experience of touching the screen and activating a special little sound or motion from the cast of characters.





When your little ones have mastered the free games (or you're just hoping for a little variety), additional games are available for purchase - most of which are only $.99.  They even offer two "Super Value Packs" where you can get six games for $4.99.  

As a family who likes to have it all, we bought both Super Value Packs so we could try all of the games. Here's a few of our favorites:
- Ten Little Indians
- Old McDonald Had a Farm
- I've Been Working on the Railroad
- Parade of the Wooden Soldier


These four were ideal for us because the child didn't really need any "skill" to have fun.  Touch the screen, and it'll make a noise, label the item, do a little dance, or give some other cute little gratification.  I would definitely recommend these for the littlest players!

For older children, I loved the pattern practice offered in The Farmer in the Dell, sorting in Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree, and the interactive matching challenge in The Muffin Man.


I will give one slight caution though to some conservative parents that are easily shocked - there are a few surprises you may want to watch for for sensitive/overly curious kids.  The Itsy Bitsy Spider does have spiders that eat butterflies and ladybugs if you guess incorrectly.  Similarly, the dog in BINGO will run over the young boy if he's not the correct pet indicated.  I was just slightly disturbed by the "baby or egg" choice in Turkey in the Straw and very surprised to see the animal on my screen simulating a birth of said baby or egg.  Nothing that's a huge deal in my perspective, but just another reminder that families should always be actively involved with their children's digital entertainment experience.

Overall, Touch 'n Sing is a fabulous app that I am so excited to have in my entertainment arsenal when we're out and about with twins.  I'm thrilled that I can have it right at my finger tips, where ever we go, and that with such a range of ages, it'll grow right along with them.  It's rare that I find an app that appeals to both of my toddlers, and Touch 'n Sing review seems to offer a little something for everyone.

Touch 'n Sing is available for download on iTunes and at Google Play.  Learn more about the app and it's developers on the 
SumahoMAMA website, twitter and facebook page.

SumahoMama wants to help you get started in buying additional games for your favorite kid by offering a $10 iTunes Gift Card!  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below - Good Luck!

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Contest ends August 13th at Midnight and winner will be contacted by email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.


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Monday, August 5, 2013

The Pout-Pout Fish: Our Favorite Tales



Some of my favorite childhood memories were cuddled up with my Dad, reading a story. This was an EVERY night occurrence and something I am so thankful for.  So it's no wonder that with my own children, I am committed to offering these same memories for my own babes - albeit a little harder with four grabby hands lunging for the book.

I've decided that I'd like to share some of my favorites with my readers in a series called "Our Favorite Tales."  Up first is Pout-Pout Fish written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Daniel Hannah.

I first ordered this book without much thought from the Scholastic Book Club but am so thrilled I did!  My absolute favorite thing about this story is the sing-songy rhythm created by the terminal rhyme of each verse.  Great alliteration makes it a joy to read out loud.  I have so much fun with it that I'm not sure who likes it more - my kids or me!

The plot line centers on the Pout-Pout Fish who can't seem to shake a bad case of the grumps.  He seems pretty settled in that being  "just the way I am" despite numerous interventions with friends who recommend that he "turn that frown upside down."  Mr. Fish is always polite though in his declines of advice.  His catch phrase throughout is "blub, bluub, bluuub" which is great to vocalize when reading out loud.  Another great line is "Hey Mr. Fish with your daily scaly scowl, I wish you wouldn't greet us with a grimace and a growl."

I won't spoil the surprising and unexpected ending for you as it warmed my heart in the best kind of way and I'm excited for you to experience it for yourself.  I will say though, that someone interesting comes into Mr. Fish's life that changes his whole way of thinking.  A fantastic happy ending!

I'd really recommend this book for all ages - from birth to six.  A board book edition is also available which might make a great choice for the littlest readers.  With sweet sing-songy rhyme, adorable pictures and a truly climatic plot (for a kids book) this one is a top choice!

If you want to catch a preview of all the things I love about this book, listen along to Gordon True's youtube version, set along to music.  I told you it had great rhyme and verse!



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Sunday, August 4, 2013

Pittsburgh Free for Kids Link-Up

Pittsburgh Free Activities for Kids


This summer has been so fantastic in finding free or inexpensive activities in Pittsburgh.  We were thrilled to have found Curious Little Kid's "20 Things to Do in Pittsburgh for under $20"  and Macaroni Kids whose resources offer great suggestions for families.

I've seen so many great Pittsburgh posts recently that I thought it would be fantastic to start a Pittsburgh Free for Kids link-up to bring many of them together!

So have you written a post lately about somewhere you've been that was free (or nearly free) that you'd like to share?  Fill out the form below and share with us!

Just a few requests to keep the party fun:

1 - Click the link below, and a new window will open for you to enter your post title and link.  Once completed, come back here to confirm that you're added to our list!

2 - All posts should be about places within a 2 hour drive of the City of Pittsburgh.  All posts should include information about free or inexpensive activities (under $20).

2 - Consider including our Link-Up button (linked below) in your post!  Copy the code under the image and put it into the HTML portion of your post.  Not required, but we'd love to be included!  We'd also love for you to pin or tweet this post to help us help you get more viewers!

3 - Click around and visit some posts to find even more fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh!

4 - Come back and link again next time you post another great activity!  We'll keep the button in our sidebar so you can find it easily.  

Thanks for visiting, and we can't wait to see all the places you have to share!
My Tales with Two


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Saturday, August 3, 2013

Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest: Field Trip Friday

Every so often, my mind used to wander to a time when, as a child, we'd been coming back from my Dad's company picnic, and had the pleasure and surprise to see numerous beautiful hot air balloons floating through the sky above us.  We'd stopped and taken the time to enjoy them, and the memory has lingered throughout the years.


Brayden just adores looking at Balloons (especially shiny Mylar ones) and I thought he might think that seeing hot air balloons was pretty cool too. It turned out that I started googling local hot air balloon festivals at just the right time, as our local one was just the next weekend after my search!  The Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest  is an annual event in New Castle, PA on the fourth weekend in July every year, and is done in partnership with their local fire department. It's very well established, having been operating since 1989.


Pennsylvania hot air balloon

We arrived right on time to see about fifteen balloons inflate, lift off, and drift over the horizon.  All in all, it was a pretty quick experience but one WELL worth the hour drive up there - we'll definitely visit again!

Hot Air Balloons New CastlePA balloon festival



From our experience here's a few things I'd share:
- Get there early!  There were a billion people and they all have to park.  We were so close to missing the action that next year we'll definitely get there earlier.
- Many people bring lawn chairs and settle in.  There's tons of room to get a good view so there's plenty of room for all.
- Bring your camera!  People were all over the place with DSLRs.  So glad I had my camera with me for some beautiful shots you don't see every day!
- The event happens all weekend with a balloon glow on Thursday night, and launches Friday Night, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning and evening.  Plenty of time for everyone to check it out!

website: http://wpaballoonquest.webs.com/

address
UNION TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

304 SOUTH SCOTLAND LANE
NEW CASTLE, PA 16101

After the balloons drifted out of site, we checked out the carnival happening on site.  There were numerous rides and food vendors, but nothing really "for us" with tiny kids that I am still super cautious with.  We did make our way to the fountain and duck pond right on site and had a great time checking out the ducks and munching on a snack.



We had a fabulous time and will definitely be making this a yearly tradition.  Perfect event for free family fun in the Pittsburgh area!

Chestnut Grove Academy Field Trip Friday Blog Hop



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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Pittsburgh Public Schools announces new Afterschool Program!

This content has been compensated as part of an Early Childhood Education promotion for Pittsburgh Public Schools. However, all opinions remain my own. #ppsafterschool

Before the babies were born (and even for a few months afterwards) any time someone would bring up the topic of "preschool" I would try to change the subject.  The subject was not my favorite for a few reasons.  I hated considering the financial reality - how would we afford a quality program for twins?  I was in baby bliss - how could I give up valuable "together time" in their short childhoods? I was in denial - believing that through the magic of pinterest, I could teach them everything they'd ever learn in preschool.

Today I'm speaking as a convert.  I've seen the light!  After numerous conversations with people whose opinions I trust, and some reading on the subject, I've come to realize that all of my objections truly had feasible solutions.  As a parent who wants the absolute best for her children, how could I keep them from something that research proves to be an imperative part of early school success?



As it turns out, Pittsburgh Public Schools agrees with the all the available research that tells us that investing in our early childhood education programs will give us the best "bang for our buck" in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve.  Their goal is to help all preschool aged children obtain better school readiness and social competence skills by providing an environment and experiences that cultivate these skills.

The focus on early childhood education programs comes from the very top down with President Barack Obama, in his February 2013 State of the Union address, saying  “In states that make it a priority to educate our youngest children…studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable families of their own.  We know this works.  So let’s do what works and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind.”


So how does a busy family (with multiples or singletons) make it work?  With reports showing that only 7% of households have a "stay at home parent," the need for after school care has become a "deal breaker" for families who want to offer the best preschool programs to their children while juggling multiple schedules.

Luckily for Pittsburgh families, Pittsburgh Public Schools has recently announced the launch of their new Afterschool Program to make sure the students enrolled in their Early Childhood Education programs are offered a high quality learning experience, both during and after the traditional school day.  Programs will serve students throughout the city at Pittsburgh: Brookline Pre-K - 8, Colfax K-8, Crescent Early Childhood Center, Morrow Pre-K - 8, and Phillips K-5.  Children in pre-K through fifth grade we invited to participate.  And it's not only about convenience for families.  Their afterschool program offers so many benefits to participants!  Here's my top five favorite things to consider!


Five Favorite things about PPS Afterschool #PPSafterschool


1 - Qualified Instructors and Research Based Curriculum: While I love my teenage babysitter as much as the next girl, she can't provide the meaningful and purposeful activities like Pittsburgh Public School's Afterschool Program will.  There's no channel on television that can provide age-appropriate activities in a safe environment either.  Appropriate child-adult ratios are maintained to ensure that each child gets the attention they need. I like high standards, and PPS agrees!

2 - FUN for Kids: Lets face it - if the kids are happy, the parents are usually pretty happy too.  This program offers amazing opportunities for kids of all ages to have a great time - whether that be little ones practicing gross motor skills through music and dance, or older children participating in enrichment programs with program partners like the Carnegie Science Center or Gateway to the Arts.  Parents can be confident that all this fun is had in a safe, reliable supervised environment.



3 - Relationship Building:  While having twins does offer my children the benefit of having a built-in playmate, our family believes it's critical that they reach out and build new relationships with their peers as well as with other adults.  It was this realization of what I was unable to offer my children in my own home that decidedly led us to the decision that preschool would be an important part of our children's experience.  Both in Pittsburgh Public School's Early Childhood day program, as well as in afterschool care, there are abundant opportunities to make new friends, learn to take turns, share, and work together as a team.  What an awesome foundation for future relationships to be built upon!

4 - Routine and Structure: Experts believe that young children do best in a predictable and well-ordered environment where they know what to expect.  The PPS Afterschool Program provides stability for children whose parents aren't able to be home at the end of the traditional school day.  Instead of juggling child care providers and work schedules, families can rest assured that their child has had their needs met with a snack, attention to homework, and plenty of time for fun.

Five Favorite things about PPS Afterschool #PPSafterschool

5 - Affordability: Pittsburgh Public Schools' preschool program is offered at no cost for many families and at a reasonable cost for all families within the district.  With twins comes double the expenses - a real concern for our family when considering preschool opportunities.  For families participating in the PPS Afterschool Program, several pricing packages are available to make the program accessible to all families.

Ready to sign up?   The application deadline is August 9, 2013. Applications are available online at www.pps.k12.pa.us/earlychildhood or parents can request a hard copy by calling the Early Childhood Department at 412-325-4291.
 

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