The Fun Flashing Sippy Cup Review and Giveaway!

You may have noticed these sippys on a banner on our right hand side bar for a couple of weeks now.. if not, I'd like to tell you more about them.

These brand new Fun Flashing Sippee Cups are 100% BPA free and are CPSIA certified. The multi-colored LED lights automatically light up and flash when the cup is tipped up.The lid, leak guard and cup are all 100% dishwasher safe, and the bottom base is removable before washing. Batteries are included and replaceable with a small screwdriver, although we've had our Fairies Cup flashing almost non-stop since we've received it and have had no problems with the batteries included. All three designs are available at Toys R Us.

When we received the info on this new style of sippy cups, it read, "The Fun Flashing Sippy Cup is soon to become your child’s favorite cup." After reading it I giggled, knowing how many times I've 'heard that before'.. There was only one sippy cup that I could use with my son- and we used it until they changed the style.In total, it was about 3 years we used that brand, because he was about 4 when we stopped using it. With Abbigaile, we had one brand that we used, but their prices have been hiking a lot lately, so I've been on the quest to find a new sippee, one that doesn't leak, and one that is sturdy enough to withstand the beating my little lady will deal it. I hate sippee cups that leak- it's a peeve of mine.. I mean, really- what's the point? I might as well mop up spilled milk from a cup than from a sippee.

Anyway, back to the review-

I received the Fun Flashing Sippy Cup in the adorable pink Fairies design. I read the directions, and was excited that the cup was dishwasher safe. The battery compartment is easy for adults to remove, but difficult for children. The only way that you can get into the batteries themselves is with a screwdriver. It looks very well made, with the safety of children in mind.

Abbigaile saw it flashing from the hallway, and wanted to try it out that night. From that moment on, it did become her favorite cup of all! She doesn't leave this cup anywhere too long, without realizing that she doesn't have it.. if it falls in the car, the motion of the car makes the lights go on, so you can find it quickly, and when it's getting too dark, or you're in a place where the lights might be distracting, you can simply shut the lights option off.

Aside from the super cool flashing lights, Abbigaile and I both love the fact that even though she's thrown it, dropped it, stepped on it, fallen with it, and it's been washed a gazillion times, all of the seals are still just as strong as day one. It doesn't leak from the spout or around the top, and it hasn't cracked or chipped from any of the aforementioned incidences. I love this sippy cup, and so does she.


WANT IT?
Visit Toys R Us online now and purchase your Fun Flashing Sippee Cup in your favorite design, or head to your local Toys R Us Store. They run about $5.99 for one flashing sippee cup, and make a great stocking stuffer for your toddler!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to officially claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on December 8th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to our new friends at Buztronics for sponsoring this giveaway. This review is soley the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.com, and your personal opinion may differ.

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Cyber Monday Deals and Steals!

Get 15% OFF your entire order when you purchase $25.00 or more! Simply enter promotion code "CYBERMONDAY09" and get 15% OFF all granola mixes in your shopping cart as long as you purchase products totaling more than $25.00. This Special Offer expires at midnight November 30th! So hurry up and make use of the best MixMyGranola offer of the Holiday season. Start Mixing right here.

Looking for a cool gift: send a MixMyGranola Gift Certificate with a personal message! MixMyGranola Gift Certificates can be personalized and printed or emailed to the lucky recipient. Have a look at an example of our gift certificates here. MixMyGranola Gift Certificates start at only $10.00 and are the perfect surprise for this year's Holiday season! Get your MixMyGranola Holiday Season Gift Certificates here.




$10.00 CYBER MONDAY COUPON AVAILABLE TODAY ONLY! Until midnight Monday November 30th you can save $10.00 on any product, on any order shipped anywhere in the world, by entering coupon code 261109 in your cart before checking out. Coupon offer ends midnight November 30th. Details here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/blog_specials.htm?s=e112609



Underwear, socks, hoisery from $3.99! Pullover Hoodies for Men, Women & Children starting at $4.99!! Sweats for adults at only $5.99!! Shop for more Cyber Monday Deals, and the super Deal of the Day, at Hanes.com!



Free Shipping on purchases over $49, plus save up to 60% off of some of today's hottest toys! Create a holiday or birthday wishlist for your friends and family to shop for your child- no more misfit, or unwanted toys! Plus, Google shoppers get $10 off of your purchase of $60 or more!



Save big Cyber Monday at Sprout Shell on Infant Carseat Covers and Minky Blankets, and get FREE SHIPPING on all orders using coupon code: FREESHIP.


Happy Shopping!

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Kids Foot Locker gets you Hyped 4 the Holidays! WIN up to $200!

Kids Foot Locker is running some spectacular deals on all of their sneakers and shoes this weekend, and for the rest of the month. To get you Hyped 4 the Holidays, Kids Foot Locker is giving away TWO $100 gift cards!!

You might win one, but you could win them both-

Here's How:
Visit Kids Foot Locker online and then leave a message here saying which items you'd purchase using the gift card(s) you're entering to win!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to officially claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on December 12th, at 11:59pm EST. Two winning numbers will be chosen at random using Random.org; one individual may win both gift cards should the two numbers belong to the same person, if not, two individuals will win (1) $100 gift card each. Winner information will be posted within 24 hours of contest end. Winner(s) will have 48 hours to claim their prize,or the next number down will be announced. It is *not* the responsibility of 4BabyAndMom to contact the winner(s). Winning number list will be posted at this post after the conclusion of the contest time.

Special thanks to our friends at Kids Foot Locker for providing two (2) $100 gift cards for this giveaway. This review is solely the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.com, and your personal opinion or experience may differ.

**Last edit on December 18th to announce new winner because original winner did not claim the giveaway within the specific time frame.

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Please Welcome Marissa, Our New Team Member!

Hello everyone! My name is Marissa and I am so excited to be a part of the 4BabyAndMom team! I'm already Hyped 4 the Holidays, and hope you are too! You may have seen a few posts from me already and I thought that I should take a few moments to tell you a little about myself.

I am 27 years old and have two of the goofiest children in the world; my son is 9 and my daughter is 6. My kids are my world, and I love finding fun stuff to do with them at home, whether it be a fun new recipe or quick and easy craft ( and if I can do it without buying anything, so much the better ! ) I have an obsession with clearance shopping. I firmly believe you should never pay full price for anything, and often scout the local stores for the best bargains. When I'm not doing homework, entertaining the rugrats, or making dinner--I'm probably hidden in a book. I'm a reading enthusiast and will devour a good book in a day if given the opportunity. *waves at fellow Potter Nerds and Twi- Moms*

I have been happily married for 10 years and was a S.A.H.M. until last year when I re-enrolled in school. I've finally decided that I would like to be a teacher when I grow up, and am currently a full time college student. Better late than never, right? I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do, but I can honestly say that I love being a student again.

So, that's me in a nutshell. I hope some of us have a few things in common and that you guys are just as excited as I am about this holiday season. Thanks 4 reading!

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Pearl Paradise Review and Giveaway!

I love pearls, and pearls on little girls are so adorable. Classic cuteness that can be passed from generation to generation. I have a pair of pearl studs that have been in my family for generations.

When PearlParadise offered our family the opportunity to review one of the kids pearl sets, I jumped at the opportunity. The “kids set” includes a genuine freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet, knotted on silk, and finished with a 14-karat gold clasp. The pearls are between 6.5-7.5mm.. before I got our set in the mail, I had no idea how big they actually were. I was expecting teeny pearls, but I was so impressed at how large they were, and how beautiful they are in real life. These are perfect for your little lady, whether she's 6 or 16, and the smooth, oval shape of these gorgeous strands are absolutely exquisite.

Abbigaile has worn them once to church, so far, but I plan on having her wear her pearl set with her Christmas dress. Everyone who has seen them to date keep 'ooh-ing and ahh-ing' over them and cannot believe the value of the set versus the actual cost. They look so much more expensive than $55, the price on PearlParadise. I've seen sets like this before, ranging from $900-1800!

What I love about this kids set is that you can choose which size bracelet and necklace would fit the little lady in your life best, then choose white or yellow gold for the clasp. Then, within 1-3 days your item ships from PearlParadise.com, and arrives super quick. The set itself costs only $55, but comes with an appraisal.. my appraisal said that the set was valued well over $200!!

Every item from PearlParadise comes with certified appraisal by a GIA graduate, showcased in an elegant presentation box, and with a pearl care kit to keep your pearls just as beautiful as they are when you receive them.

Pearl Paradise has something for every woman on your holiday list, so this year dazzle her with a classic, elegant gift- give her some pearls.

Want it?
Visit PearlParadise.com to save money on earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets made from genuine pearls in every color, every shape & every size.



CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on December 9th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Disclosure: The featured product was provided to me, at no cost, by PearlParadise.com. I did not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about this experience, and all opinions expressed are my own. Special thanks to our new friends at Pearl Paradise.com for sponsoring this review and giveaway.

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Walgreens Photo Desk Calendar- 70% off Ends Today!

After you take 70% off, the total of these personalized desk calendars are only $3.00!! Save 50% on photo books, and get 50 prints for only $5! Order yours now, before the sale expires- only at Walgreens.com!

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Did You Survive? ... Thanksgiving with your family and Black Friday, that is!

Now that you're recuperating from the in-laws, eating way too much food, and waking up uber early to shop until you drop, be prepared for the next best thing online since Cyber Monday--

Hyped 4the Holidays at 4BabyAndMom continues this weekend with great giveaways from PearlParadise.com, and Buzztronics, and then on Monday, Kids Foot Locker!! Make sure you take advantage of the BEN10 extra entries if you enter this contest.

I hosted Thanksgiving at my house for our friends and their four children, my neighbor and her 28 year old son, and my family. My father came over for dessert, and then I crashed. I wasn't going to go Black Friday shopping this year.. but Toys R Us opened at midnight by my house, so my girlfriends and I trekked out at about 10pm, and stood online. When we got there, the line was just around the corner of the building; by 11pm, the line went down to the back of the building, down the parking lot, into the cul-de-sac, up the road, and into the mall parking lot across the street!! It was insane.

I got home this morning at about 7:30-a quarter to 8ish. I don't even know. Needless to say, I'm exhausted and hoping that all of you are feeling just as lazy as I am today and would like to do nothing more than enter our giveaways today! ;o)

I'd love to hear how *YOU* survived Thanksgiving, your family, and the busiest shopping day of the year!

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Toys R Us Black Friday Deals Extended until 10pm!

Early this morning, my friend took advantage of the best Nintendo DSi pricing out there- Hurry, there's only 17 minutes left to catch the Nintendo DSi bundle pack + the starter kit and case AND the car carger for only $159.99!! That's less than the DSi ALONE at other retailers! Happy Shopping!

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Black Friday Nintendo DSi Bundles Come Loaded with More Than $20 in Software Value !

Two extraordinary releases from Nintendo are about to give Black Friday holiday shoppers an incredible value – but they won’t last long. Starting Nov. 27, U.S. consumers can purchase Metallic Blue or White Nintendo DSi™ systems that come pre-installed with more than $20 in software value. These Nintendo DSi bundles are priced for the holidays and will be available while supplies last at participating retailers nationwide.

“These limited-edition bundles come packed with some of the great Nintendo DSiWare games and applications that have made Nintendo DSi such a big hit with shoppers young and old,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The special price and pre-installed titles make the bundles a huge value for the holidays.”

Fans of global gaming superstar Mario will be especially eager to get their hands on the Metallic Blue Nintendo DSi, which comes pre-installed with five Mario-themed Nintendo DSiWare titles, including:

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again: Can Mario and his Mini Marios rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong’s clutches yet again?
• Dr. Mario Express: Mario once again dons his stethoscope to battle the forces of illness in this downloadable version of the classic puzzle game.
• WarioWare: Snapped!: Wario returns with more manic action made especially for the Nintendo DSi system. WarioWare: Snapped! uses the built-in Nintendo DSi Camera to make players the star of the show by placing them right into fast-paced mini-games.
• Mario Calculator: Mario and Luigi take a break from their normal adventures to dedicate their heroic talents to working with numbers.
• Mario Clock: Mario Clock includes both analog and digital clocks that use the system’s internal clock or allow you to offset the time however you like.
  

The White Nintendo DSi bundle is designed for anyone who has a passion for brain teasers. The special White system bundle comes pre-installed with the following Nintendo DSiWare title:

• Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters: Test your spelling in Word Attack, enjoy literary classics in Reading Aloud and tune your musical skills in Piano Player.
• Brain Age Express: Sudoku: Solve a variety of puzzles at three different skill levels using the touch screen and an intuitive interface.
• Brain Age Express: Math: Players can enjoy a mix of new and familiar exercises, including Change Maker, Triangle Math, Sum Totaled and Multi Tasker.
• Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics: Play familiar favorites like Blackjack and Five Card Draw, or test your ability in the fast-paced Last Card, Last Card Plus and President.
• Photo Clock: Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.
  

Beyond the pre-installed titles, Nintendo DSi owners also have access to a wealth of additional games and applications in the Nintendo DSi Shop. Owners with wireless broadband Internet access can exchange Nintendo DSi Points™ for the titles and wirelessly download them directly to their Nintendo DSi systems. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations, or Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased online directly through the Nintendo DSi Shop.

Nintendo DSi is the latest iteration of the world’s top-selling portable game system. Its unique features include dual screens, a touch screen and wireless networking capabilities to let friends near or far play together. Two built-in cameras and audio-manipulation functions let users create customized content and share it with others. Through the end of September, total worldwide sales of the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi game systems have reached more than 113 million, according to Nintendo’s financial statement. Of those, more than 33.4 million have sold in the United States through the end of September, according to the NPD Group.

For more information about Nintendo DSi, visit www.NintendoDSi.com.

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Happy Thanksgiving, from 4BabyAndMom!

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Stonyfield Farm’s Organic YoBaby Meals Gift Bag Giveaway!

My entire family loves Stonyfield Farm products, and when the kids were little they loved YoBaby Yogurt. I still get the large tubs of organic yogurt and share it with them. They love dipping their apple slices into it the best.

This year, Stonyfield Farm’s YoBaby turns 10 this year, and will be marking the occasion by growing its line to include new YoBaby Meals.

YoBaby Meals offer a unique 3-in-1 combination of protein-packed yogurt + fruit + veggie purée in one cup. They’re an easy, delicious and surprising way to help moms give their babies and toddlers a trio of important food groups at every meal.

Three delicious flavors -- Pear & Green Bean, Peach & Squash, Apple & Sweet Potato – are just right for baby’s growing appetite. And the single serve 6-ounce cup offers 50% more than current 4-ounce YoBaby multipacks.

YoBaby Meals comes with the same Stonyfield Guarentee from the owner and creator: “I promise your child will love it, or your next cup of yogurt is on us!” Click here for more details.

YoBaby Meals is still all natural and certified organic, made with milk from cows fed organic feed and not treated with antibiotics or artificial growth hormones – since Stonyfield Farms always believed organic is not only better for baby, but better for the planet as well.

If you have a moment, learn more about Stonyfield Farms, how they started, and the importance of organic farming. In the meantime...

Want it?
Head to your local dairy section to get your baby some YoBaby Meals. Be sure to check out the Stonyfield Farms website for coupons and money saving offers.

WIN IT!
Our new friends at Stonyfield Farm have offered one lucky winner their chance to win a Reusable YoBaby Meals Gift Bag packed with 1 YoBaby Travel bowl with lid and utensils, 1 YoBaby organic cotton bib, 1 Eric Carle growth chart, and 5 free YoBaby meals coupons!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on December 4th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to our new friends at Stonyfield Farm for hosting this giveaway. This review is solely the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.com, and your personal opinion or experience may differ.

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Kellogg's Froot Loops and Apple Jacks Now With Fiber!

Did you know that 9 out of 10 children don't get enough fiber in their diets? Kellogg Company knows how tough of a time Moms have finding ways to increase their child's intake, and they came up with a great solution by adding a boost of fiber to some of their most popular kids' cereals. These cereals include ingredients such as whole-grain corn flour, whole-grain oat flour, oat fiber and soluble corn fiber, which means there are 3 grams of fiber in every serving. In addition, Kellogg Company plans to extend the added fiber benefits to their other cereal lines over the next year.

Why Fiber is important?
Fiber is only found in foods that come from plants. You won't find any fiber in other types of food such as meat, fish or dairy products. Eating foods high in fiber help you feel full longer, and plays an important role in keeping our body and minds healthy and with processing your food. Studies show that fiber helps with constipation, bowel problems, high cholesterol, weight loss and high blood sugar. You can read more about the importance of fiber at http://www.kelloggsnutrition.com/.

The idea of having fiber in popular cereals such as Apple Jacks and Froot Loops at first scared me. My mother had suggested buying more fiber rich cereals for them prior to this opportunity to try the new Kellogg's line.. but frankly, I thought that if the kids went from normal cereals to fiber-rich cereals that they would have to go to the bathroom more, or may have stomach issues they normally didn't have. The real test was going to be whether it would help my grazing-children stay fuller longer, and if there would be any drastic changes in their bodies.

I decided it was worth a try.

We received our boxes of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks, and I decided the best bet was to try them as snacks first. My policy on 'sugary' cereals is that it is strictly as a snack on school days, but acceptable on weekends- for my kids. I, on the other hand, enjoy regular Apple Jacks quite frequently. The kids loved it.. I suspected they would, but was eager to see how it affected them through the day. I ate my bowl of cereal, and felt much more satisfied than I would eating "regular" Apple Jacks. That fact alone was worth the most to me.

We've compared both types of cereal with and without fiber, and I can honestly tell you that there were no weird after taste, and nobody in our family could tell the difference between them both. I even tried asking my husband which bowl he thought had the ones with fiber, and he had no clue!

Want it?
Visit your local supermarket and look for the fiber badge on Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. If your supermarket doesn't carry them yet, be sure to ask for them by name.

So the final verdict is that we'd definitely buy either of these cereals as snacks or special weekend breakfast for our family again, and the next time that I want to indulge in Apple Jacks, the fiber line will be the one that I add to my shopping cart.



I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Kellogg’s and received boxes of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate. These opinions are strictly those of Lauren @ 4BabyAndMom and your opinions may differ.

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1 Cent Stocking Stuffers - Agoo Leg Huggers!

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2009 Hyped 4 The Holidays Gift Guide

As of right now, readers using Internet Explorer may still experience difficulties with the pictures loading. This guide will be continually updated, and will hopefully provide a great starting point for gift ideas for your family. Click on the links in the Gift Guide to bring you to our reviews and company websites. By clicking on the image above, the presentation will load to your whole screen, or preview it in our reader below.


Gift Guide was removed on 1/3/10. If you would like to receive a link to this gift guide, please email 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com. Thank you

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Cartoon Network & Kids Foot Locker Reward Shoppers with Ben 10: Alien Swarm Crossover Promo! + Ben10 Poster Giveaway & BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITY!!

Cartoon Network is aligning super marketing powers with sports retailer Kids Foot Locker this holiday season to reward shoppers with a limited edition Ben 10: Alien Swarm movie poster gift with the purchase of Converse Chuck Taylor shoes.

The high profile on-air, online and in-store co-branded promotion builds upon the anticipated world television premiere of Cartoon Network’s all-new live-action/CGI movie Ben 10: Alien Swarm on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. The gift-with-purchase promotion is featured in-store and at kidsfootlocker.com starting Nov. 18-Dec. 6, 2009.

Throughout the promotional period, Cartoon Network will drive awareness for the co-branded Kids Foot Locker campaign with custom on-air spots driving consumers to their local Kids Foot Locker store to find out more about Converse shoes and the Ben 10: Alien Swarm movie poster gift-with-purchase program. The promotional spot featured on-air at Cartoon Network will also stream online at the video section on CartoonNetwork.com.

“Expanding the Ben 10 brand off the small screen and into a retail giant like Kids Foot Locker is monumental—especially during the holiday shopping season,” said John O’Hara, executive vice president and general sales manager of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Ad Sales and Marketing. “It’s a strategic marketing alliance that not only continues to increase the property’s exposure, but also rewards fans through an immersive experience.”

“Ben 10 is Cartoon Network’s most successful original property here in the U.S. and around the world,” added Jill Shields, Cartoon Network senior vice president of marketing and promotions. “We are tactically marketing the much-anticipated premiere of Ben 10: Alien Swarm across kids television, throughout popular online gaming sites, in print, on radio, at movie theatres, on billboards, via publishing and at retail. The film is one of our most ambitious projects this year so we’re thrilled that a partner such as Kids Foot Locker will elevate our promotional efforts to reach out to kids and families.”

Across more than 300 Kids Foot Locker retail stores, Ben 10: Alien Swarm tune-in and co-branded promotion details will be featured through in-store displays. In addition to reaching in-store shoppers, the posters will be made available to online purchasers of Converse products made at kidsfootlocker.com. The campaign will be recognized in the Kids Foot Locker VIP loyalty club communications, distributed to over 300,000 homes through both opt-in e-mail and direct mail distribution.

Throughout November, Cartoon Network’s international operations in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Mexico and the Philippines will host premiere events and screenings in 26 languages to support the global broadcast premiere of Ben 10: Alien Swarm. The film follows 16-year-old Ben Tennyson as he breaks ranks from the Plumbers (a secret organization that battles alien forces) to help a mysterious young woman from his past uncover an alien threat to our world. The live-action/CGI movie is directed and executive-produced by Alex Winter, who also directed Cartoon Network’s first Ben 10 live-action movie, Ben 10: Race Against Time, which attracted more than 13 million viewers during its Thanksgiving weekend premiere in 2007.

Ryan Kelley (Prayers for Bobby) stars as Ben Tennyson, with industry veteran Barry Corbin (No Country for Old Men) starring as Grandpa Max. Galadriel Stineman (Junkyard Dog) is Gwen, Ben’s super-powered cousin, and Nathan Keyes plays Kevin Levin, who has joined Ben’s team for the good of the universe, but still seems to have a scheming side. Alyssa Diaz (Red Dawn) plays Elena, a long-time friend of Ben.

The Ben 10 Alien Force animated television series currently premieres new episodes on Cartoon Network Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. (ET, PT) with replays throughout the week. Ben 10: Alien Swarm will be released on both DVD and Blu-ray Disc domestically on Dec. 1 through Warner Home Video.

About Kids Foot Locker:
Kids Foot Locker is a part of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,600 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.


About Cartoon Network:
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Don't forget to catch the World Television Premiere of Live-Action/CGI Movie to Air Nov. 25, 7 p.m. on Cartoon Network!

WIN IT!!
Two of our readers will win a copy of the Ben 10 Movie Poster pictured above. Plus, as an additional perk, enter now to gain "BEN 10 BONUS ENTRIES" in our upcoming Foot Locker giveaway!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on November 30th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. In order to receive BEN 10 BONUS Entries, you must have completed at least one form of the mandatory entry by the end of this promotion period, one per person no matter how many total entries to this contest you have. Thank you to Kids Foot Locker for providing the prizes for this giveaway. You must send the link to your status update, tweets, or blog. Comments that do not contain this information will be deleted. This post contains info from a press release, and should be taken as that- a media press release.

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EBeanstalk's $50 Photo Contest - 10 Winners!

EBeanstalk.com is running a contest for YOU this Holiday Season!

We all have pictures of our kids playing with toys, but your picture and cutie-patootie might win you a $50 gift card.

Email the cutest possible picture and the first name ONLY of your child to: EMILY@EBEANSTALK.com, and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Gift Certificate to EBeanstalk.com- just in time for the holidays!! There will be 10 winners, and entries will be chosen on their "cuteness-level". EBeanstalk respects your privacy, and will not spam you. Hurry, because the Cutest Kid Playing-With-A-Toy Contest winners will be chosen on 12-01-09.

In the meantime, shop now and receive a 10% discount at ebeanstalk, using the coupon code ebeanstalk100 at the cart! Whether you're looking for learning toys, baby toys, or kids toys- EBeanstalk has something for everyone. If you need some help shopping for your relatives or grandchildren, you can chat live with a representative or search by age on their website.

Ebeanstalk is a website dedicated to selecting great, safe baby toys and learning toys. They rely on the opinions and feedback of bloggers and moms around the country. Also their team of child experts help to pick out kids toys...read our review of the Groovy Girls Macy the Mermaid Doll pictured above, here.

So, go ahead, start sorting through all the adorable pictures of your little one playing with their toys and send it their way! Hurry though, this contest ends soon! Visit Ebeanstalk.com for more gift ideas.

Now, which picture should I use to enter?? The one of Abbie and her Mermaid, or Alex on his Skitter?? Ack, decisions-decisions! Good Luck!

Let me know if you entered to win by leaving me a comment here.

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Beansoup Aprons Gets You Cooking In Style This Holiday- Review + Giveaway!

"A family that cooks together, stays together."

Frankly, I have no idea who said this quote, but this is something that I heard during my entire childhood. From my grandmama's house to my own, it seemed to echo- especially during the holidays. I learned to love to cook by watching my mother and grand mother chop veggies like nothing I've ever seen.. and take ingredients to form a recipe to create these wonderful meals. They would let me help, but "the kitchen is no place for a child" would start shortly after prep was over, and the stove went on.

As an adult, I now love to cook and I love letting my children help.. with everything from chopping and mixing to stirring and flipping. They know which meals they can help with, and which I'm more cautious with, but they also know that when they get older they'll be able to help much more.

During the Holidays is when I start to cook the big stuff.. I cook everything under the sun, including my mother-in-law's Apple Crisp. It's our way of ringing in the holiday season. Brian hates when I cook or bake big projects. I tend to get something on me, somehow- it's inevitable. I cannot tell you how many shirts I've ruined because oil popped in a pan, or because I was tasting something, and it spilled through that hole in my mouth. Apple Crisp, (although one of the easiest recipes I make), seems to leave me covered in flour.

This year, I happened to learn about a great company called BEANSOUP APRONS. Beansoup Aprons create beautifully crafted kids aprons, and matching adult aprons- perfect for the family that cooks together! The fun, bold prints are wearable and washable, so you don't have to worry about anymore spills or mishaps. What's even better is that your little one is protected too, so they form great habits early. Reinforced with double stitching, the adjustable cotton kid-sized aprons at Beansoup are sure to delight your biggest helper.

Don't worry, if you're not a family that likes to cook together, perhaps you'd have more fun using the adorable cobbler aprons. From gardening, to art, and yes- even cooking, cobbler aprons have three pockets to make carrying all of your essential tools easy as pie.

The mother and child sets make a great gift idea this holiday season for Mom, or even for Grandma's House!

Want it?
Visit BEANSOUP APRONS and check out the variety of aprons and fabrics available. Take advantage of the limited time $5 Friday promotion on their website.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on November 30th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to our new friends at Beansoup Aprons for sponsoring this giveaway. This review is soley the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.com, and your personal opinion may differ.

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Join 4BabyAndMom and Get HYPED 4The Holidays!

This season the downward spiral of the economy has hit a lot of homes pretty hard. We've all read stories across the blogosphere on how to save money and live a fuller life by pinching pennies, making more meals from scratch, and learning all about how to enter contests on blogs to win the stuff we really want.

The objective of our Holiday Promotion is to get you-- all of our readers HYPED 4The Holidays, and bring you more of the products you want! So for the next few weeks be sure to make some time to pull a nice cozy chair in front of the fireplace (or with carols singing in the background) and a nice cup of cocoa, to read our reviews, enter our giveaways, take advantage of our special coupon codes and deals, and get suggestions for the perfect gift for all of your family members from our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide.

You have until 4pm EST TODAY to grab our button to obtain the EARLY BIRD extra entries on all of our giveaways throughout the entire promotion. Make sure you subscribe to us, so you don't miss a single offer. Also, special "DoorBuster" offers for extra entries will be made on Twitter and Facebook, so be sure you're following us, or a fan.

"But who are we getting so excited to see?" you ask.

Over the next few weeks, you'll find oodles of reviews with giveaways from familiar friends like Kids Foot Locker, Hasbro & Smelly Washer.com, to new and exciting companies like Kellogg's, Green Works, BJ's Wholesale Club, Pearl Paradise and more!

Plus, this week you'll get to meet our newest team member, Marissa, and her two fabulous children. We've had the opportunity to add her to our website so that we can truly bring you a larger spectrum of products to review and expertise. She's a fabulous mom who can spot a sale over a mile away, and has tons of insight to share with us all.

We are so excited to bring you reviews this season from food and entertaining, to today's hottest toys and gadgets, and we can't wait to get HYPED 4The Holidays!

From Our Family to Yours,

Lauren, Brian, Alex & Abbie
Marissa & family

4BabyAndMom

If you would like to see your product featured on our website or in our Holiday Gift Guide, we have a few more spots available. Please email 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com for more details, or with any questions.

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Hyped 4The Holidays Kicks Off TOMORROW!

Have you grabbed our button? Early Bird Button grabbers will earn extra entries into all of our giveaways-but you need to post HERE NOW!

Our Holiday Gift Guide will be available to view and download as of Tuesday, as it's experiencing technical difficulties on most Internet Explorer platforms. You'll find some great suggestions for gifts for all age ranges and relationships.

We want you to get Hyped 4 the Holidays this year with 4BabyAndMom, by reading reviews and entering giveaways from fabulous companies like Foot Locker, PearlParadise.com, Hasbro, and so much more. Spread the word, tell a friend, and subscribe by email now- so you don't miss a single post!

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Richard Scarry Busytown Mysteries on CBS Saturday Mornings!

Saturday Mornings will never be the same!

When I was younger, I remember having a Richard Scarry book or two. In fact, I remember having this cool little Apple Car toy with Lowly in it.. I used to take that thing every That feels like forever ago, but last Saturday morning my memories came flooding back when I noticed that BUSYTOWN MYSTERIES was on CBS!

The Busytown Mysteries series follows the lives of the most beloved Scarry characters, lead by Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm, as they solve the many every day mysteries of Busytown. Where is Mr. Frumble’s pickle car? The Busytown kids will find out! How can they help a lost parrot find its owner? Leave it to Huckle and friends to solve the case! Busytown Mysteries engages children with fun storylines and lovable characters, while introducing them to deductive reasoning skills. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

The half-hour program is made up of two 11-minute stories per episode. You can watch Busytown Mysteries on CBS weekend mornings in the Cookie Jar TV block of children's programming. To check when the series is airing in your area, click here for the schedule.

Busytown also entertains and educates fans at home with the fun, interactive website BusytownMysteries.com where kids can explore different neighborhoods in Busytown, interact with the Busytown characters and play 14 games and activities designed for preschoolers, including interactive games, a Fan Club and “My First Email,” which lets little ones email their progress to pre-approved friends and family addresses.

Richard Scarry’s books have sold over 150 million copies and have been translated into 30 languages over the last 40 years. If you grew up reading these books, you can now share the fun with your children watching brand new TV series check out all of the Busytown fun online at their comprehensive website BusytownMysteries.com.

The kid's experience: Alex was intrigued at the storyline and mysteries Huckle was trying to solve. Abbigaile enjoyed watching it- although the story line was a little "above" her age range, she thought it was hysterical, and even guessed where Lowly's Apple Car was before Huckle solved the mystery. The both of them sat and watched the episodes, and were excited to see them again.

We haven't had an opportunity to visit the BusytownMysteries website yet, but from the poking around that I was doing the other night, I can tell you I forsee Alex having a lot of fun on the website. I love the fact that even though the show is entertaining, it's educational. Finally, quality children's programming, real life lessons, and a cartoon that makes children think- THANK YOU CBS for listening to parents!



Thank you to the One2One Network for providing our family with a DVD copy of Busytown Mysteries, and for allowing us to post our review on this entertaining new show. By posting this review, I have been entered to win one of 3 Visa/Mastercard giftcards. This does not affect my opinion, as it is just that- my opinion. Your experience may differ.

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Great Cleaners.com- Kaboom, OxyClean, Arm&Hammer Review + Giveaway!

This review and giveaway is going to be different than most of the giveaways I usually do. You'll have your choice of these prize packages- you can choose either: The Dorm Room Cleaning Kit, The OxiClean Baby Care Kit, or The Arm & Hammer Stain Fighting Kit- all of which are tough on stains, dirt, and grime.

I have experience with many of the cleaners included on all three of these packages, but with all of the household chores that I do, LAUNDRY is the thing I always have way too much to do. With the two very active and messy kids, and a husband who works in construction, laundry time also takes the longest. Pre-treating, soaking, washing, folding, drying... making sure the stains are really gone- rewashing if they're not; when to use bleach, when to use color safe bleach, when to use boosters or additives to fight the really tough grimy stuff. I hate laundry.

Everyone always says they've found the new best thing in fighting tough stains- and I've even reviewed a few other products that definitely helped make my life easier- but let's face it. There are definitely more obstacles in laundry then in say... the dishes.

I was given the opportunity to try OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover from GreatCleaners.com. I've heard a lot of great things about OxiClean products, but have actually never tried them before this review. I figured my family would truly put the cleaner to great use, and provide a real testament of the products effectiveness.

In my family my children haven't quite mastered the art of telling me when their clothes are filthy. They have a laundry basket in their room that we empty and throw in the machine, but there has been many times where I've been loading the washer and find an adorable shirt that I used to love of my daughters covered in dried spaghetti sauce.. Is it ruined, or is it salvagable? Now that it's sat for god-only-knows-how-long, I have *no* idea. All I know is that I didn't take it off of her to put her 'jama's on, so as frustrated as I am now, I hope that the hot water and colorsafe bleach alternative will work.. then I remember I have the new OxiClean spray, so I run back into the house and grab it. I spray the stain, and right away the cleaner starts to foam on the shirt. I rub it in a little, add another mist, and then finish loading the washer. I add the shirt last, and hope for the best.

When the laundry finished, I found my daughters shirt and checked for any evidence of the spaghetti sauce that once coated the neckline and chest area. Nowhere could I find any remainder of a stain, not one orange outline-nothing. After that experience, I've used my new OxiClean Laundry Spray on everything.. from the dirty knees from Brian's pants, to my kids saucy clothing, to the sheets from my potty-training 3 year old, to my own shirts where the magic hole in my mouth reappeared just in time for my food to fall through.

So my final verdict- so far, so good. I love the fact that all Church & Dwight cleaners come with a 100% money back guarentee. That's how much the company believes in their own product. I will definitely keep you all posted, and let you know if I've found a stain that OxiClean just hasn't beat. On the site and the label it says that OxiClean also works on set in stains, so far the only thing that I have not been successful removing was a pee-pee stain on our bed, from an accident Abbie had awhile ago. It was washed, steamed, but alas- a water ring remained. Bri tried to get rid of it with the spray, but so far the only thing I found that works on those stains, I reviewed months ago. (Which means it's time for me to re-order.) Would I use the OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover I was given to review again, yes. Would I recommend it to friends, absolutely, because it works and is an affordable choice for our family.

Now, onto the GreatCleaners you'll have the opportunity to win-

The Dorm Room Cleaning Kit is perfect for busy families or students. This kit contains: OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover great for using as a pretreater, or for especially tough stains like grease or chocolate; Brillo scratchless cleaning pads with AEGIS Microbe Shield technology (which prevents the growth of bacterial odors in the Brillo pad) for use on all kitchen and bathroom surfaces; Kaboom Scrub Free! Continuous Toilet Cleaning System cleans your toilet for 3 months without any extra elbow grease; Kaboom Scrub Free! Refill 2 Pack, so you don't have to worry about your toilet for awhile; and Kaboom Foamtastic color-changing bathroom foaming cleanser, for all of your other bathroom cleaning needs. (A $50 Value- Currently On Sale for $35.99)

The OxiClean Baby Care Kit is perfect for new or expectant parents. This kit contains: OxiClean Baby Stain Remover, perfect for baby clothes and other washable baby items, and OxiClean Baby Stain Soaker to help with the explosive diapers, burp mishaps, and more.
(A $20.99 Value- Currently On Sale for $19.99)


The Arm & Hammer Stain Fighting Kit is perfect for the family who just needs a back up plan. This kit contains: Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda to use as a detergent booster or throughout your home as a household cleaner; the OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover Spray that I got to review- for all of the stains that might occur on your clothing, upholstery and more; and OxiClean Spray-A-Way Instant Stain Remover 2 pack- for unexpected stains that occur at the worst possible time. Unlike sticks you might find on the market, the Spray-A-Way Remover doesn't dry out, lose effectiveness, or allow the transfer of the stain from one piece of clothing to another, perfect for the mom or dad on the go! (A $15.99 Value- Currently On Sale for $14.99)

WANT IT?
Visit GreatCleaners.com and customize the perfect cleaning combination, or order one of the kits mentioned above.

CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER!!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on November 27th, at 11:59pm EST. Two winners will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to our new friends at GreatCleaners.com for sponsoring this review and giveaway, and allowing our family the opportunity to save our clothing. This review is soley the opinion of 4BabyAndMom.com, and your personal experience may differ.

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NEW MOON LIVE from the Red Carpet- NOW!

The New Moon live stream starts NOW- well, technically at 30 minutes after the hour. Until then, enjoy the trailer, pop your popcorn, and get ready! Watch it here, at 4BabyAndMom!

Free video chat by Ustream

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Bob Evans and Publix team up to bring the classics home to your table!

Just in time for Thanksgiving, local Publix locations (and some other retailers, too!) have started carrying Bob Evans Side Dishes like Original Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese in the refrigerated foods section.

My husband is a beef and potato kind of guy, and an absolute "Homemade Mashed Potato Junkie". Seriously, he could eat mashed potatoes from scratch all day long. I love mashed potatoes too, but rarely did we have homemade mashed potatoes growing up, the instant kind was just quicker. When I first started cooking for my husband, Brian would call my 'fake' potatoes out every time I cooked them. I couldn't believe he could tell the difference. Shortly there-after, I was invited to his mothers house and enjoyed homemade mashed potatoes the way they're supposed to taste.

Years have passed since then, and I have converted to homemade potatoes all the way. The kids love it, and let's face it- it's healthier.

Recently, I was presented the opportunity to review the new line of Bob Evans refrigerated potatoes and Mac & Cheese. (We literally live 4 blocks from a Bob Evans, and many Mothers or Fathers Days meals have been there.) Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity to try them. I knew that the original sides that are served in their restaurants are delicious, and my kids devour them, but would the packaged kind work? Would they be a healthier alternative than say the boxed competitors versions?? Would it be enough to feed my hungry family? I was excited to try them out, especially since now with kids of my own, I can relate to why my mom used boxed potatoes.

The new Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes come in 'Original' and 'Garlic'. We decided to play it safe, and try the Original potatoes first. The package is microwavable, and almost instantly you have the creamiest, fluffiest homemade mashed potatoes- (with only a few little lumps of real potatoes)- ready for your dining room table.

The ingredients on the label were all normal ingredients, words that I could pronounce, and the nutritional values were very impressive for a pre-packaged product. I was expecting the sodium to be sky high, and honestly- it wasn't. The amount of food in the container was great for the size of the container. It was really packed into it, not half empty like most store bought sides. My scavengers were satisfied with the quantity.

The Bob Evans Mac & Cheese was thicker, closer to real homemade Mac & Cheese. The kids are used to the store boxed brand, so at first they were a little hesitant, but as soon as we told them it was like the kind from Bob Evans, they went to town on it! They cleared their plates, and even asked for more!

Brian & I cook with a ton of garlic, so I must say that our personal favorites were the Bob Evans Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Seasoned perfectly, it wasn't overly "Ghhhhhhhharlicy" but very well flavored. I generally need my potatoes to be lump free, but the tiny bits that were left in it really made it feel, and taste like genuine homemade potatoes.

I am excited that more varieties of classic Bob Evans products are being added to our local Publix shelves, and cannot wait to give the other products (like the Cheddar Potatoes!) a try. I've noticed on the actual Bob Evans Website, they have family sized containers as well, which would be perfect for the holidays, or for a really hungry group.

If the thought of homemade potatoes are that intimidating, Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes are the next best thing to homemade. Look for Bob Evans Sides at your local grocery store, and ask for them by name if they do not carry them yet. Bob Evans quality foods are sure to complete any meal or tradition, and with more selections being added, all of this year's Thanksgiving sides could be complete- from Sweet Potatoes to Glazed Apples!

WANT IT??
Click here to SAVE $0.50 on any Bob Evans Refrigerated Side Dish! Use this link if you're interested in saving on other Bob Evans Products. Find a super market or store near you that carries Bob Evans, here.

Congratulations to our WINNERS!!

Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize!

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and will end on November 21st, at 11:59pm EST. Two winners will be chosen at random using Random.org. Special thanks to Bob Evans for sponsoring this review and giveaway, and allowing our family and readers to try these yummy sides on them!

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WIN: New Moon Soundtrack- Satellite Heart (Air Mail Remix) by Anya Marina Download on iTunes!

So... I just pre-ordered my tickets to see NEW MOON on the 20th at 12:01am, and by pre-ordering my tickets through Fandango, I received a coupon code to for a FREE download of the exclusive remix Satellite Heart (Air Mail Remix) by Anya Marina, only on iTunes. The bad thing for me is that I don't have iTunes, nor any desire to download iTunes, so the good thing is that I would love to extend the offer to my followers.

Want to win a free iTunes download code??

This giveaway is open to residents of US & Canada and will end on November 13th, at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. The winner will be emailed the secret coupon code for one free download of the aforementioned song. Special thanks to Fandango for the coupon code/special offer deal.

Congratulations to our WINNER:
Please read the WINNERS POST for more information on how to claim your prize.

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Fighting for your Gifted Child. Mom vs. The School District, a true story. Part 2

Part One

Part Two

As I drove to the school, every thought was bubbling in my head as to why my son was acting out. Never before had I experienced such pains of helplessness.. the teacher had kept insisting that everything was going well. It was just the "transition" from preschool to kindergarten. I didn't believe it, and felt that the transitional time had passed. There was something deeper, and I wouldn't rest until I found out what it was.

When I met with the administrator, I informed her that I was not going to stop until we figured out what was wrong with Alex. I had plans to meet with our Pediatrician and ask for a referral to a developmental pediatric specialist to help figure out what is going on. What she said not only surprised me, but knocked me off of my rocker completely. "We think that what Alex has wrong is in his head. He needs to see a neurologist and a psychiatrist, as these behaviors are not normal. In fact, I believe that he has Asperger's Syndrome, may be mentally challenged or autistic. Only a psychiatrist can completely diagnose him, but we've seen many children like him at our school. We recommend transferring him to another school* because it has the specialists that he deserves, and would be able to better understand him."

Are you kidding me?! Three years before I had my son, I worked in a school with children who were severely behaviorally challenged, mentally and physically disabled. All of my parenting choices from birth until now flew threw my head and I began to question everything. Are you telling me that I missed all of the detrimental signs and symptoms for five and a half years? After asking a handful of questions, the response I got was simply, "I believe that you are in a state of denial, many parents in your predicament are at first." I was flabbergasted, and left shortly thereafter feeling like I had a boulder in my stomach, yet just got ran over by a steam roller.

I came home, vented to a friend, and listened as she blew up on the phone with me. "Get off of the phone now, Lauren, and call this doctor. She will help, and if she can't, she'll tell you who will." I hung up the phone and stared at the Early Intervention Developmental & Behavioral Pediatric Specialist's name. I called and spoke with her directly, explained that I was at the end of my rope, and needed someone to help direct us. She advised that in the meantime I should see a child psychologist to start testing him, and she set up an appointment for December. It was the earliest appointment she had, and the agency my pediatrician recommended wasn't available until April. I asked about the specific test my pediatrician recommended, and she said that the psychologist would be able to help.

I fought with our insurance company for three days, trying to find a psychologist that they would cover, that was within decent driving distance, and that would be willing to answer our phone calls and see my son. I finally found someone to agree to meet with us- over 30 miles away and an hour traveling distance, as it was close to the heart of our nearest city.

Alex was still having issues at school, every day was being reported as a "red" day, and his night terrors were out of control. I began sleeping on the couch, (if you'd even call it that), waking at every tiny squeak or thud. I tried calling the principal of the school, as the more I thought about the way the assistant principal presented herself in our last meeting, the more it wasn't sitting right. I called one day and left my name, and within 15 minutes, the assistant principal called me back. I then began calling and saying I'd call back- conveniently she was always in a meeting, at bus duty, off of campus. Off of Campus was a popular one. Some days I stayed on hold for awhile, some days I just hung up. It was frustrating to say the least.

I took Alex to his first psychologist appointment, and at the end of the hour, the psychologist told me exactly what I was thinking- Alex was bored. He had to do official tests to confirm it, but he seemed "extremely intelligent", a little hyperactive, and very inquisitive. Praise God, I could handle a little hyperactivity.

I left the appointment content with the fact that the psychologist was going to give him an IQ test, and some behavioral assessments, but the fact that he was just a smart kid made my day. I couldn't have asked for a better report. As I drove home, the words the assistant principal spoke to me at our meeting echoed in my ears, and my blood began to boil. I was beyond infuriated, I needed my son out of that school, but I wanted to make sure that he would be ok with that. Over the weekend I let my temper cool, and planned the events for the week.

In the morning, I took my son to drop him off at school. He started to cry, and told me he didn't want to go. I took him, and asked him why. He said he just didn't want to. I told him that he had to tell me what was going on if he wanted me to help. He dried his tears and told me that he would try to make it through the day. I continued trying to get in touch with the principal, but again, had no luck.

I began to call the district office, and ask them how to go about transferring him. I got passed from one department to another, to another.. it was rediculous. I began to get even more infuriated, feeling as if all fo my options have been exasperated.

To be continued....

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