Marching for Babies: Support Our Team!

We have been so busy at our house lately, and our next big event is this Saturday- The Big Bend Area March for Babies.

The March for Dimes is so near and dear to our hearts as our first monkey was born nine weeks early and we attribute so much of her success to the research funded by the MOD. My last post was also on this topic, March for Babies- Get Your Walk On.

Well, we want to raise MORE money for them.

So, if you donate to the March of Dimes through the HappyLittleMonkey's March for Babies page before Saturday morning, I will send you a code for 10% off your next order. The code will be valid for 30 days.

Every little bit helps!

March for Babies- Ready to get your shoes on?

It's time to get our walk on!

Each year since our first daughter was born, we have participated in the March for Babies. Here are our family pics before the walk:

2008

2009

2010

This year's walk is just around the corner on April 30th.

Before Caroline was born early, we knew there was an organization called the March of Dimes (MOD), but we didn't really know a lot about what they did. We were busy doing other things and never imagined that our baby would be born early. Afterall, we were doing all the things we were supposed to do- prenatal care, doctor visits, eating properly, taking vitamins, etc.

When my water broke almost ten weeks early, we were scared to say the least. We benefitted first-hand from MOD research. One of the first things we received in the hospital was surfactant, a steroid to help her lungs develop. We were later told that the research on surfactant was done by MOD and one of the best tools doctors have to help give preemies a better chance by stimulating lung development.

By walking and getting our friends involved, we hope to help raise awareness of the MOD and their great work. We walk because we know about their work and that there are lots of other babies who need help too.

Early pics of our little monkey:

Her first bottle!

Each year our walk reminds us of how scared we were when she arrived early and how thankful we are for our rambunctious three and a half year old, even though sometimes she drives us crazy. We know we are lucky she is fine and will forever give some of that credit to the MOD for their work. Being a part of the March for Babies (MFB) helps us to show our appreciation for their work and all of the people who participated before us.

The event is also lots of fun. So, get your walking shoes on and come join us, sign up for your local walk, or if you can, please sponsor our team.

If you would like to sponsor our team, please click here to sponsor Team Caroline and Friends through the HappyLittleMonkey!

The Perfect (Blanket) Cape is HERE!

I have just released pictures of my most favorite HappyLittleMonkey product yet- the blanket cape!

I mean, c’mon, we have all tied a blanket around our neck, placed our hands on our hips, and stood proud that we were about to save the world. We were at least about to run as fast as we could to somewhere or fly there. Little did we know that our parents were hoping we would run and conquer the world to burn some of that boundless energy that only a three-year old can wield.

For over a year now I have been creating and recreating capes, either actually with fabric, blankets, or mentally. Finally, I took a little step back and remembered how HLM started, with a simple blanket that did its job- it swaddled and could provide years of snuggliness.

A HLM Cape must do the same.

I’m so excited to share, it does!

The simplicity of the design is that it is made just like a blanket, but instead of tying it around your little one's neck, there is velcro on the top corners. This can allow your toddler to use his superpowers to learn how to get it on himself. Then, should he be thwarted by an evildoer, the velcro should breakaway so your hero can still escape unscathed.

To make sure your Superhero, Flowered Princess, King or Queen doesn't get tripped up by their own cape, this one is a little shorter than a standard blanket, measuring in at approximately 20" x 25" it will is the perfect size.

The icing on the cape, is that it comes complete with magic wristbands. These special cuffs transform your caped child into a real superhero. They are “solar powered” so when your child stands still for a moment and points his wrists toward the sun, they harness and store the superpower they will need to run back and forth across your lawn until they are out of breath. (Hint: When your child won’t slow down, remind him that he needs to recharge his bands. Since this process requires a moment of direct sunlight, you may even be able to get him to take a sip of magic water so he can go back to playing.) Here is what they should look like when they are charging up their super-powerful, solar-charged wristbands.

My first series of pictures all came out like this because my three-year old would not stand still. Superheroes are hard to capture on photo, you know?

As they were released to save the day this afternoon, I was able to get a few rare posed pictures of my superheroes. Then they were unstoppable as they harnessed the sun’s power, sprinkled magic on the plants to make them grow, and tried to bring about the demise of evil-doer Mom with her unmeasured power to put her kids in time out.

After all of this, they totally surprised me when the younger monkey laid his cape down on the ground. The older one ran inside and brought back a “basket” of fruit, for a picnic. They sat on their capes, ate their faux food, and then lik magic they were caped crusaders again.

It's been another fun and happy day.

These will be available at Springtime Tallahassee on April 2nd, 2011, and will be posted to the store after the show. The cape is approximately 20” x 25”. The cuffs are approximately 6” around and are zig-zag stitched to enable a little stretch when pulling them on and off.

Coordinating belts, crowns, headpieces and personalized superhero shirts are also coming. I just couldn't wait any longer to share!