Valentine's Day, Memories, and What Really Matters

proud, happy Mom: first solid feeding, February 2004

Time flies, doesn't it? R. was recently looking at one of her baby photo albums, which included photos of her first "party", which she hosted on Valentine's Day, 2004. She was almost 5 months old. Earlier that week, she ate her first solid food (rice cereal). Very exciting, right? (Apparently so....look how overjoyed I am in that photo). Life was very different for us then. True, R. had just been referred days earlier for an Early Intervention evaluation. The pediatrician was concerned about her failure to meet certain developmental milestones. But we didn't know what lay ahead of us. Her dad and I were married, and living in our first apartment together. Life was simple and sweet (well, comparatively speaking) and although at the time I thought I was sleep-deprived (ha!), I had enough energy to decorate my apartment and plan a lovely Valentine's get-together for my new mommy friends and their babies.

R's first "bedroom" (former dining area with a temporary wall)

R. awaits her party guests

the only age at which 7 kids can fit in your apartment: 6 months

the requisite babies-lined-up photo-op (R. third from left)

Um, I can't believe I ever had time to make favors like this.

Fast forward seven years...and now I am a single mom of two children with special needs. It's bittersweet for me to look at these pictures, because they symbolize the very short time that I was just like "every other mother" of a new baby. I didn't know about the diagnoses and challenges that lay ahead for either of my children, or that a few years later I would suddenly become a single parent to my 1-year-old and 4-year-old, both with special needs. It's been a bumpy ride. We've encountered roadblocks that I never would have imagined, causing me to lose faith in many things...and many people. But I've never lost my sense of humor, or my ability to find joy in each day that I spend with these amazing kids.

Actually, recently we have celebrated some wonderful news. Did I tell you that S. has been accepted for kindergarten next year at an excellent special needs school here in NY? Considering that at age 2 he could not speak, and that kindergarten admissions in New York City is a proverbial nightmare (even more so for special needs schools with very limited spots), this is a dream come true. I feel so lucky that he has made it this far and I am so grateful to every one of his amazing therapists for helping him. R. is working very hard too and continues to surprise me with her own accomplishments on a daily basis. As for myself, I think that the "battle scars" I've earned from the past few years as a divorced mom of two extraordinary kids have strengthened me a lot. Just as I view the scars on my back from scoliosis surgery I had at ages 12 and 13, I see these scars as markers of my resilience. It's pretty hard to knock me down. I don't sweat small stuff at all (which is quite a feat here in NYC). And I figure this is one of the best lessons I can ever teach my kids.

Of course, when I get to look at a punim like this every day for 7 1/2 years, it is pretty hard not to smile, whether it's Valentine's Day or not. Don't you agree?

my beautiful girl, age 5 months, February 2004

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU! I will be spending the rest of the day with valentines of my own, so I will be posting again tomorrow. I wish you all a wonderful holiday filled with the things and people you love most!

Happy Hearts Day

I'm not usually crazy about animal-themed nursery wall art, but this Elephants in Love print by Etsy shop Barking Bird Art strikes a sweet note, today especially! Suitable for framing, the 8 1/2 x 11 inch archival quality print features soft colors and a velvety texture. It costs $18 at Etsy.com.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I will be away for the rest of the weekend and will post again on Tuesday.

Love Is All Around

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I present you with these love-themed prints by Etsy's The Love Shop. Because there's no such thing as too much love.

Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day.

Geek Love

I read about these "Geeky" Valentine's cards from the Etsy shop Paper Wheel Press on Twitter. Aren't these fantastic? I love that they are beautiful, old-fashioned letterpress cards that poke fun at wholly 2011 cultural references. They cost $5.50 and $5.95 apiece at Paper Wheel Press

Adorable Alert

If you don't have a daughter you may skip this post, and if you do, be warned....you just might pass out from the cuteness of these barettes from the Etsy.com shop It's All in the Details. Feast your eyes (and open your wallets- all are available here and cost about $10 per single barrette or $15 per set).

Waffle House

Mmmmm....look at these delicious Waffle Soap Sandwiches. Mom/designer Debbie Chialtis has created perfect, sweet-smelling, calorie-free Valentine's treats. Each arrives packaged in a gift box. Enjoy without guilt! $6 at Mahar Dry Goods.

Valentine's Day Part Two: Etsy!

Not surprisingly, the goddess site of all things handmade- Etsy.com- has some truly amazing Valentine's Day items for you to peruse...

I Love You Soft Soled Baby Booties ($17). How cute are these??


Chocolates Notebook ($9). I am the lucky owner of one of these notebooks. So yummy and fun to use in February.


LOVE sterling cuff ($49). Great classic design, great sentiment.


Big Fat Heart Tote ($45) I love colorful multi-purpose totes and this one is perfect for the season.


Hurry and snatch these in time for February 14th!

Mama's Boy

I just received a sweet Mommy Tattoo Tee from hipster onesie/tee site Trendy Tadpole (the onesie shown here goes up to size 6-12mos; I got the same design on a white tee with red raglan sleeves in a 2T for Baby S). I can't wait for him to wear it on Valentine's Day. While I definitely don't want to raise a "mama's boy", I do think it's cute for an 18-month-old to wear! On sale for $17 at Trendy Tadpole. Oh, and click here to view their bestsellers- there are some good finds.

p.s. A special Happy Half Birthday to my sweet Baby S., who turns 18 months old today. How the time is flying! At today's check-up, my big boy measured 35.5 inches tall and weighed 31 pounds (the size of the average 2 1/2 year old boy!) And the doctor is so pleased with Baby S's progress in Early Intervention. He is walking (make that running) all over the place, stacking blocks, and trying so hard to talk. I am so proud of him!

MyMomShops Giveaway: "Loved" Gift Set

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Tara (Isaac's mommy) who wrote, "I love it! It's absolutely adorable!" Tara, please e-mail me with your name, address, and size choice to claim your prize. Everyone else, be sure to check back tomorrow (Thursday) for another great giveaway!

Oh, this giveaway is going to make some new mom VERY happy come this Valentine's Day...and her little one is going to look too cute for words. Celeb boutique plain mary is offering us one of their "Loved" Gift Sets ($62 value) to give away. This gift is so fab that it was featured at the Golden Globes Style Lounge. Mere mortals like you and I are sure to enjoy it even more! The "Loved" gift set includes an adorable onesie with matching snap bib and burp cloth, all embroidered in red with "loved." It comes packaged in a sweet, signature plain mary suitcase. The onesie is available in sizes 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, or 6-12 mos. Check out all the "divine baby gifts for posh parents (and babies too!)" at the anything-but-plain shop plain mary.

Cupcakes for Sale

Who isn't thinking about yummy desserts, with February 14th fast approaching? This Cupcake Gift Bag($5.50) from Whimsy Press measures 9 x 11 inches an is perfect for toting Valentine's treats. Buy it at Whimsy Press, where everything is currently 60% off (yes, 60% off!) with code 2009. Wow!

Feel the Love

Mecca of all handmade goods, Etsy is the perfect place to browse for Valentine's gifts that you will not find in any Hallmark store. Here are some LOVE-ly items I stumbled on recently:

Love One Another Necklace ($40) at Laylabelle Designs:

Love Scrabble Tile Pillows ($98 for set of 4 covers, inserts available at extra charge) at Pillowhappy:

Love Letterpress and Screenpress Greeting Card and Envelope ($4) at AmyB13:

Check out the Valentine's Showcase at Etsy.com, updated daily.

Send Some Sugar

I read about Baking For Good in Fitness magazine recently. It's an "online bake sale" that sells organic cookies, brownies, and other treats (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free options) and then donates 15% of profits from your order to the charity of your choice. You'll have the opportunity to choose from over 200 worthy causes, including many wonderful children's charities. The sweets get rave reviews for taste, too. Want to order some Valentine's treats? A small Valentine's gift box ($30) includes hand-iced sugar cookies and peppermint brownies (yum!). Order by February 7th for Valentine's Day delivery from Baking For Good.

MyMomShops Sponsor: My Princess Closet

Our wonderful sponsor My Princess Closet is a popular go-to site for all things girly and fashionable (yes, there are frills galore, but also trendy, modern threads for little princesses). The site's founder is a mom to 3 boys...and, then, a girl. So she knows how important it is to find just the right goodies for your girlies. Here are some of my current favorites at My Princess Closet:

Kasato Hooded Dress by Tea Collection. New for Spring '09, this comfortable but stylish dress has a popular-again bubble-style skirt. 100% Pima cotton, sizes 2T-6, $47.


Be Mine BabyLegs. Perfect for your little crawler this Valentine's Day. $12 per pair.


Semi-Sweet Chocolate Devon Shoes by Morgan & Milo. Oh how I wish these came in R's size. They're made with soft suede and have velcro for easy-on, easy-off. Toddler Sizes 7, 8, and 10 left, $46.

Baby Gund Little Princess Playset. I have such a soft spot for this toy; R. received an earlier version of it for her 1st birthday in 2004 and still plays with it in 2009. It's a great birthday gift for any little girl, and contains a castle with bed pocket and mirror accent, princess doll, prince doll and star wand. $25.


Shop around some more at My Princess Closet and enjoy every day money-saving $5 flat shipping rate!

Etsy Valentine Tees

If you're looking for unique Valentine's tees that you won't spot in big name stores, Etsy is chock full of choices. Here are 3 of my picks:

Girls' Red and Pink Appliqued Felt Hearts Shirt ($28; lap tees sizes 6-12mos to 18-24mos, tees 2T-12) by Piccadilly Circus Designs:


Etch a Sketch My Love Onesie ($27; sizes 3-6 to 18-24 months, also can be made as a tee) by Melondot:


LOVE Letters Tee ($20; sizes 12mos-10, also can be made as a onesie) by Darling Deuce:

I Want Candy

Much healthier for baby than those candy conversation hearts, these Conversation Heart Rattles by Yellow Label Kids are a luxurious Valentine's treat (or a memorable baby gift for a February arrival). The set of four soft knit rattles are made through fair trade practices- which is something else to love. $44 for the set of four at MyMomShops fave Arte Bebe.

Love is in the Air: Valentine's Day, part 1

Happy February! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and there are oodles of love-themed treats to be discovered and purchased. Here are a few, just for starters:

Eco-Friendly Wooden Valentine's Postcards by Night Owl Paper Goods ($6 apiece):


Heart Silicone Cupcake Molds by Williams Sonoma (set of 8 for $14.95)


Love Letters Cookies by Eleni's ($59.50 for box of 16)


Haba Doll Pram Hearts at Oompa.com ($154.99)


Lots more to come, so keep checking back!

Sweet Dreams

I always have luck (and save money) with sleepwear for my kids from The Children's Place. These days R. is enjoying her new Valentine's PJ Set (on sale for $12.37) and plush slippers (on sale for $6.47). These make great Valentine's Day treats for your kids that don't break the bank. Visit the newly-redesigned website of Children's Place for more ideas.

Chic Valentine's Clips (Hold the Sugar)

I must have about a hundred Etsy items "favorited" to share with you, but I'll start with a small one in time for Valentine's Day. I just stumbled onto Giddy Up and Grow, a little Etsy shop from Calgary that makes handmade felt hair accessories. Yep, I've seen plenty of felt hair clips before, but I really like the half-sweet, half-edgy look of this "Petite Pansies in Love Tattoo" Set. I also like the light blue background, which is a welcome change from endless pink and red during Valentine's season. For $12 (with $3 shipping to the U.S.) you get the 3 wool felt tattoo-inspired pansies attached to medium-sized snap clips. Visit Giddy Up and Grow for some other great designs, too, including headbands and newborn hair accessories.

Perfect Girls Valentine's Dress

Chasing Fireflies is a catalog with some of the most beautiful dresses for girls that I've ever seen. Right now I'm admiring this perfect-for-Valentine's Day Raspberry Hearts Dress. Love the bell sleeves and the gathered elastic waist. It's made of machine washable cotton/lycra, and costs $78 (sizes 1/2, 2/3, or 3/4) at Chasing Fireflies.

Darling Dishes

Here is another one of my favorite recent finds from Etsy. Mud Hutt Studio is a shop in Georgia that makes beautiful little ceramic keepsake dishes. These would be sweet baby shower gifts, Valentine's Day gifts, or Mother's Day gifts. You could put them just about anywhere in your home- as trinkets on display, or even as a little place to keep your rings. The two dishes shown above are my favorites- Love Grows Here ($12) and Sweet Mommy Bird (which has already been sold but if you "convo"- that's Etsy speak for e-mail- the seller, she just may create another one for you). Visit Mud Hutt Studio.