From Dates to Diapers, and beyond!

Blonde Mom Blog Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush Giveaway As part of a four-part giveaway series, Four for the Fourth, Blonde Mom Blog is giving away the coolest toothbrush you'll ever own...an Ultreo Ultrasound toothbrush valued at $169.

Mom's Favorite Stuff reviews a fun and functional summer bag.

Symbiosis
Leeanthro is attempting to talk about food all month. So of course she reflects on her vegetable garden.

Here are a few posts from my friends this weekend:

Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti
Leeanthro discusses how to pair wine with food.

Colorful Play Table
Mom's Favorite Stuff reviews a fun and functional play table.

Road Rage, Interrupted
Kim may only be five feet tall, but don't mess with her

This Full House Reviews: Kit Kittredge - An American Girl Movie
This is the first feature film based on the hugely popular American Girl book series and (since, yesterday was Mini-me's 7th birthday) my youngest daughter and I were very excited to have been invited to the New York City screening of Kit Kittredge - An American Girl Movie!

Yes, I'll be Your Rock of Love; We're Married Lovers
Jane from Pinks & Blues details her blogger trip to Harrah's in Atlantic City to see Bret Michaels and Jackie Collins

So, way back at Camp Baby I joined a Yahoo! group to stay connected to some of my new friends. We thought it would be fun to post a blog post roundup each week to help promote each other's blogs. Out of the five weeks we they have done this, I only added my link once and then forgot to post all the others! So, here is my first real attempt to participate.

Go check out the following posts on blogs I *heart*:

In a Blue Room (Contest!)
Leeanthro has found a new bedtime favorite to read to her children.

It's A Fancy Nancy Sleepover at This Full House!
Our latest giveaway featuring the new Fancy Nancy doll and we'll even provide the popcorn and a movie!

Kim started a food dye rebellion at MOMformation
It's time for parents in the US to make some noise and end the use of unnecessary dyes and additives in our food.

Kristina of MOMformation is getting hazed by her newborn

Mom's Favorite Stuff Reviews an Innovative New Diaper Pail

Reflections of 10 years
Jane from Pinks & Blues reflects on the 10 years since she graduated high school

It's bright and early on the third day of camp, and I am not any more rested than I was last night. I slept okay, but I miss my bed, and my hubby! I'm all packed and ready to check out of my room.

Here's the plan for our last day here:

I have to check out by 7am, load up in another awesome GM Hybrid, and rendevoux with my fellow mommy bloggers at Johnson & Johnson headquarters in New Brunswick. There we will have a "working" breakfast, while touring the J&J facilities. After this fun and informative tour, we will return to our fabulous hotel, where we will explore our favorite J&J brands.

I will be heading off to the airport for my long trip home, shortly after, so if I don't come back and "blog all about it," I will certainly be back later in the day...

Or Sunday... after I've slept for two days!

Dinner at The Frog and Peach was incredible! If you are ever in New Jersey, you just have to go there. I had a delicious bowl of bean soup to start, followed by a to-die-for seared ahi salad. (Ray, you would have loved it!), and then a superb dessert... Fruit sorbet on a crispy waffle cookie. MmmmMmm! (I even had a girlie drink for you, babe!)

Before and after dinner, we had the pleasure of playing Nintendo Wii. I am kicking myself for not taking pictures, but imagine this -- 60 grown women bowling, catching fish, scuba diving, and playing soccer... in heels!! To borrow the words of friends, "Good times, baby!"

I met some wonderful new friends. Adam Denison, my new twitter friend and GM's PR guy, Amy, and I chatted it up all through dessert. Then, after we arrived back at the hotel, I headed to the campfire for hot chocolate and yummy goodies. As I was picking out all of the black jelly beans ;-), I was introduced to some wonderful people, Rob and Ray, whom I will talk more about tomorrow.

The whole evening seemed to fly by. You know the feeling... You're with good friends and next thing you know it's 2am - Ya, that feeling.

Oh, and did I mention that Nintendo gave us all a Nintendo DS?

I had such a hard time getting up this morning... Uggh! I didn't get to bad until way too late, because I had an "issue" with which to deal (I'll talk about that later), so I didn't get much sleep. Made it to breakfast with no time to spare. Everything was great, but I need more coffee.


9:00 am -- The Mystery of Sleep

Speaking of sleep, we have Dr. Jodi Mindell - Professor of Psychology and author of Sleep Deprived No more here with us. She is discussing normal sleep behavior in children. Toddlers sleep an average 12- 14 hours a day. All children wake 2-6 times per night. In fact, all people do.... It's all about self-soothing back to sleep.

We mommies know that transitioning from crib to bed is one of the most difficult times forgo tp a toddler - May have to wait until Ben is three.

She's talking about bedtime stallers - Is she talking about Josh??? I need to set up a bedtime chart with stickers, as rewards... I think he will respond well to this. He stays in bed, he gets a sticker. Hmmm...

Tips for a good night sleep:
Set Sleep Schedule - Good sleepers are in bed before 9pm
Bedtime Routine - Same 3-4 quiet activities
Fall Asleep Independently - Children who fall asleep independently fall asleep quicker and sleep better.

Aw, Noah gets a "dream feed" at 11pm each night! I'm doing something right!

Asked her about night terrors... It's genetic, they'll grow out of it, leave them alone - do not touch them or talk to them during the terror, just watch to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Night terrors are not harmful.

Check out Johnsonsbaby.com/sleep

9:30 am -- The Science of Baby Skin - Best in Daily Care for Babies

Dr. Ellen Kurtz, head of clinical research with Johnson's Baby, is up now. She is talking about baby's skin and Johnson's baby products... How they are safe for babies eyes, skin, and emotional needs.

J&J's motto: "Responsible to the communities in which we live & work & to world community, as well."

9:40 am -- Sustainability

Dr. Susan Nettesheim is talking about how believes in environmental stewardship and global ingredients policies.

9:50 am -- Open Panel

"Parabins are bad - We don't use them. Some parabins are good choices..." Go to www.cosmeticsinfo.org for more information about what is safe and what is not.

Aveeno products are unscented. More unscented J&J baby products to come.

Lots of tough questions are being asked... Questions about pthalates, animal testing, endocrine disrupters, parabens. The panel answered them all very intelligently! Impressive.

11:00 am -- Off to Starbucks! Be back soon!

11:30 am -- Children's Vision Care

Dr. Scott Jens is chair of InfantSEE at the Vision Care Institute, a J&J company, and is speaking to us about infant and children eye care. InfantSEE is a public health program for infants, during their first year of life, at no cost, regardless of income level or health coverage. He recommends we visit APHA and check back often.

Dr. Jens says that infants should be examined... 1 in 9 babies show a need for concern. Children should again have eye examinations at age 3, and then in 1st grade... Most problems can not be fixed after age 8. Note to self - I need to check my kiddos' eyes checked.

Fun fact - Babies are born with their eyes at 75% of their adult size.

Showing video - Mother learned of InfantSee on Today show, during her pregnancy. She brought baby in for an eye exam for no particular reason, and they found a tumor on her retina... Heartbreaking story! Dr. Jens can not stress enough how important it is to get preventative care for your babies' eyes!

Now for questions and answers...

Saying goodbyes -- He was excellent!! Go visit the sites and get more info...

11:00 am -- The Dirt on Germs

Dr. Charles Gerba, aka Dr. Germs is talking about fomites (an inanimate object used as a vehicle to transmit organisms). I think this session may gross me out!

Fun fact - Viruses live for up to 3 days. Eeew!

Recent study found that 80% of the flu viruses, in a home, were found on the phone receiver, the computer only 40%. The germiest area is the kitchen... Sinks and taps, cleaning tools, refrigerator and handles, and kitchen countertops. When you are "cleaning" you may be just spreading the germs around.

The clothes washer is also a big germ catcher - Wash everything in hot water to kill the germs (or use bleach), and dry for 1 hour.

Other household items that show huge amounts of active germs and live viruses: TV remote, computer keyboard, doorknobs

You can try, but you can not possibly sanitize every fomite that your family touches, whether in the home or in public.

Oh, this session is grossing us all out!! YUCK!! I wonder if they have some Purell for us all?

11:40 am -- Sassy and Sexy Mom Trends

Tina Sharkey, from BabyCenter.com, says we're "cool, and hip, and happening!"

Trend Watch

• Self-expression - People are more comfortable with their bodies now, ie mommy tattoos
• Mommies online - 8 out of 10 US moms go online at least once a month and 61% go online every day
• Environmentally aware
• Bento Mamas - making food fun

Who creates the trends? The world listens to bloggers... "We are at the top of the food chain, inciting the wisdom of crowds."

Fun site to check out - waybackmachine.com

12:15 pm -- I am so ready to eat (and take a long nap!)

1:15 pm -- Feeding Your Family the Right Way

Dr. Lisa Tartamella Kimmel, is a registered dietitian, and is going to give us tips on how to have a healthy diet.

Getting back to the basics:

• Prepare food in bulk
• Don't forget the shopping list
• Dust of the slow cooker
• Snack smart - Snacks are important. Eat whole fruits and veggies, watch the sippy cup, portion out your snacks
• Be a positive role model
• Strive to be positive, not perfect
• Redefine good and bad
• Forget the "clean plate club" - stop when you are full
• Remember that kids eat smaller portions

Sounds like I'm doing things right, honey! ;-)

2:00 pm -- We're breaking up in to different groups.

There were three groups, each with 18 of us. All of the breakout sessions were very interesting... There was a lot of banter over twitter, and loads of dialogue.

The first session was forum style, with the hope of us providing feedback about J&J and their products. Lots of opinions flying around... Hopefully it was helpful for them.

I missed three-quarters of the next session, due to the fact that I needed to pump for fear of explosion. From trying to keep up on twitter, this was a good one - "What's Happening Down There?" And, well, we'll leave it at that!

Session three was just a tad boring... I've been braiding hair for almost 20 years, so it was nothing new. Couple that with exhaustion and you get me, trying not to fall asleep!

It is now 6pm, Joisey time, and I have exactly 1/2 hour to change and freshen up before heading back downstairs for dinner. I am excited... The Frog and Peach should be fun!

I'll post pictures tonight. That is, if I can still keep my head up when we return!

It's late and I am wiped out, but let me share a little about tonight's festivities...

We had a wonderful buffet dinner, promptly followed by a fabulous wine-tasting event with Ted Allen. He had us sipping on some fine wines from Robert Mondavi and, even though I have yet to develop a love for wine, I enjoyed it immensely!

Ted Allen is such a hoot! He had us laughing all evening, and just seemed like an all-around nice guy. He actually has a few of his own blogs, and asked us for pointers... Of course, we were more than happy to give him loads of advice!

We brought the party back to my room, where 8 of us - Tessa, Jane, Amy, Colleen, Kim, Jodi, Stacey, and myself - sat around gabbing until way too late!


We have a pretty rigorous schedule tomorrow, with breakfast at 7:30... I hope I can get out of bed!

G'night!

*****

I'm finally in my room at The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick. My last leg of the trip was pretty uneventful - I slept from the moment I got comfy (before the plane was even full) 'til just 25 minutes before we landed... Yay!! After gathering my bags, I was greeted by Jessica, one of Johnson's PR gals, and driven to the hotel in a very plush GM Hybrid Tahoe.

This hotel is fabulous, the reception was warm and welcome, and I even had a bag full of goodies waiting for me on my bed. Now, to freshen up and join Amy and Jane (and many others) for some pre-wine tasting snacks... I'm starving!

Oh, and I saw Ted Allen walk in as I was checking in. FUN!

*****

Brrr, is it cold!! Just got off the plane here in Denver, and I so wish I had remembered my jacket!

I didn't get any sleep on the plane ride here, but I am hoping to get some shut eye during the next 4 hour flight. Otherwise, I will be a zombie tonight!

*****

It's 4:50am and I am at Sacramento International Airport, waiting to board my plane. I have another 40 minutes... What to do? Blog, of course! I will be updating this post today, but I'm afraid it will be somewhat of a boring day. In the words of Josh, "Mommy's gonna sleep on the plane!" And, I'll be on a plane all day, seeing how I lose 3 hours, and all.

Guess what? I forgot my coat!!! I am going to New Jersey, in early Spring, and I left my coat at home! How silly is that? I had it hanging by the front door and I walked out without it!

But, you know what? I kissed all my kiddos goodbye... I'm gonna miss 'em. Kind of.

So, most of you already know that I am leaving tomorrow, before dawn. But, what you didn't know is that I am so not ready!
My tackle today will be trying to decide what to wear while I'm gone, packing (both myself and my youngest son), making sure eveything is ready for my hubby's three days with all the kiddos (sans Mommy), and trying to calm my nerves.
You see, I've never flown by myself before, let alone all the way across the entire country, with layovers! I am a bit nervous, to say the least.
I know, you can laugh... It's okay. I'm a big girl (athough you couldn't tell!).
Oh, and did I mention that if I don't go to bed by 8pm tonight, I might as well NOT go to bed? (I have to be up and ready by 3:45 am!)

So, I finally got my agenda for my trip with Johnson & Johnson. I'm super excited... Can you hear me squeal?

I thought you may like to see a glimpse of what I'll be up to next week....

It's been a while since I chatted about the happenings in our household. Here's a glimpse of what has been going on --

The twins had a horrible allergy attack over last weekend, and now they have pneumonia! They are so miserable... They have horrible coughing fits, won't eat, can't sleep, and hate to sit still! Regular breathing treatments, lots of fluid intake, rest, and tons of vitamins should do the trick.

I finally got a new laptop! Our PC kinda died, and I was stuck begging Ray to leave me his laptop every day. It wasn't workin' out very well, so he bought me one last weekend, and it just arrived today!

The Johnson & Johnson Baby Camp is just around the corner. I am so excited about meeting some of my blogging buddies, and just having some much needed time away. My sister-in-law offered to take Noah, so Ray will be a bit more inclined to do some fun things with the older kiddos while I'm away... They should have fun!

I would love to hear about what's going on with all of my family and friends, that I know are reading. I haven't had much time to get around to visit all of my virtual friends, either, but hopefully I can catch up with most of you (in both worlds) over the next few days!

XOXOXO and many blessings!!

cross posted at Organized Chaos

I wasn't out and about in the blogosphere much yesterday, so I am just now noticing all of the buzz surrounding the "no children allowed" policy at Johnson and Johnson's Camp Baby. Quite frankly, I am amazed at the amount of negative response from top mommy bloggers! Even while I have my own nursing baby (and as you all know, five other kiddos, to boot), I completely understand why this policy was put in place... This time is meant as a retreat for moms to network, mingle and have fun. As much as I love having my babies with me everywhere, I am looking forward to this short time away!

I can, however, understand the frustration that some moms share, about not having adequate details or J&J not doing their homework. I was not once asked if I had a nursing baby, and nowhere on the invitation does it say that the kiddos were not invited. (I will say that the invitation was pretty clear about this event being a "retreat" for Mommies.) Fortunately, I asked about it before making my travel plans, and was not surprised by this policy later, like some moms seem to have been.

I will give J&J props for handling this situation with so much tact, given the negativity stirred up by many. The camp organizer sent out a very nice email, and I have seen many comments from her in various posts regarding the situation. Here is an excerpt from her email:

I wanted to personally reach out to you in response to what happened yesterday in the mommy blogosphere. What a learning process it has been for all of us....

because this is an event created for education and networking, we felt, that you could not take full advantage of the agenda, while caring for your children. This was probably the hardest call we made and certainly have learned a lot through this process. In the future, we will be much more overt about these decisions but we tried to communicate this as questions arose....

Please know you can always reach out to us. We are listening, and learning and continue to value your community's opinions and insights.

With this being their very first event for mommy bloggers, I think Johnson and Johnson and their PR firm, Ruder Finn, have done a pretty good job. Sure, there are some kinks that need to be worked out for next time... Like, perhaps, welcoming nursing babies, or even planning the event on the weekend, so as to make finding childcare for the older kids more doable. (They may need to find some more adult crafts for the agenda, too! )

For the record, I am not in any way saying that I am glad that the kiddos were not invited. I am thrilled, however, that I was one of the mommy bloggers who were chosen, and even more excited that everything is being taken care of for me. They are not asking anything in return... I'm not even required to blog about it all! (But, of course I am!) I am looking forward to meeting some of my blogging buddies and making new friends.

Oh, and for those of you who are curious... Ray (aka Daddy) will be caring for the children while I'm away. Yep, he took the three days off of work and has been very supportive of my attending Camp Baby! And, believe it or not, Noah will live without me for a few days... He will still get mommy's milk from a bottle, and he eats plenty of fruits and veggies now!

I'm going to New Jersey next month!

That's right... JOHNSON'S Camp Baby for Mommy Bloggers is in a few short weeks, and they are flying me out to attend. Johnson and Johnson considers me an influential Mommy Blogger... So much so that everything from airfare to my hotel room and food is on them! I just booked my flight, and was so excited that I had to tell you!!

I will certainly be blogging (dare I say live - eeek) about all of the fun... So, stay tuned!

Yay for JOHNSON'S and Mommy Blogging!

(Now, I know this ain't no Disney World, but I feel pretty special, nonetheless!)