New Baby Needs Giveaway!

 

New Baby Needs Event Is HERE!! We Are Excited To Be Celebrating These New Additions!!

Joy Of Momma Joyner and This Mama's Life have just added new babies to their families! To celebrate, they have teamed up with an awesome group of bloggers and wonderful sponsors to bring you great products that a New Baby Needs! ONE WINNER will walk away with this whole prize package worth over $1250! The Prize Package includes items from these sponsors:

Halo – SleepSack – $29

Pish Posh Baby – Baby Jogger Vue Stroller – $199

Undercover Mama – Nursing Tank Top – $35

Fairhaven Health – Milk-Saver, Freeze, Nipple Balm, Happy Bottom Baby Balm,
Sitting Pretty Spray, Nursing Blend Vitamins – $118

Making Mama’s Milk Cookies – 1 Month Supply Of Cookies – $48

Avent – Natural Drinking Cup – $7

Tiny Love – NEW Tummy Time Fun: Under The Sea – $30

Applecheeks – Applecheeks Bundle – $30

Tommee Tippee – Colorful Bottle 3-pack – $24

Little Toader - Teether - $10

Baby Shusher - Baby Shusher - $35

Buncha Farmers - Stain Remover, 3 varieties of Manuka Honey Soaps,
Hand Sanitizer, Body and Facial Skin Cream - $39

Buttons Diapers - 3 Diaper Covers and 3 Daytime Inserts - $43

Baby Box Company - Baby Box - $150

Clever Relish - Wipes Case Cover - $15

Levana - Oma+ Powered by Snuza - $99

Bobee - Diaper and Wipes Dispenser - $40

Hairbow Company - Outfit - $20

Aden + Anais - Dream Blanket - $50

Mixie Baby - Mixie Bottle - $20

PediPed - 1 Pair of Originals - $35

MAM - Cooler Teether and Oral Care Rabbit - $12

BabyBjörn - Bouncer Balance Soft - $199

Chewbeads - Jane Necklace - $30

Ciinolin - Swaddles and Baby Steps Cards - $55

GlowBug Cloth Diapers - Diaper and Insert - $13

PRK Products - Baby Food Organizer - $25
One Creative Mama - Mommy and Baby Shirt Set - $48
Baby K'Tan - Baby K'Tan Baby Carrier Wrap - $60
Googaro Box - 1 Subscription Box - $35
TeetherTops - TeetherTops Toy - $9

So, what do you think? Ready to enter? It’s simple! Just fill out the Giveaway Tools Form below. There are plenty of entry options, and the more you do, the better your chances of winning are! The New Baby Needs Event Prize Package is open to all legal residents of the United States who are 18-years-old or older. This event will run from 12:00am EST Sunday, June 1, 2014 through 11:59pm EST Sunday, June 22, 2014. Best Of Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: Joy Of Momma Joyner, This Mama's Life, and all the participating blogs (including Found Frolicking) are not responsible for the fulfillment of the prizes. The sponsors will send the prizes directly to the winner. We are also not responsible for any unfortunate accidents that may result from the use of any of these products.

Bring Reading Rainbow to TODAY'S GENERATION!

I'm not going to lie to you. I am probably irrationally ecstatic about this. I'm not a kid anymore. I've felt "all grown up" for a very long time now. It was so long ago, I can't remember when it was that I learned to read, or even when I first heard about (or started watching) "Reading Rainbow". I couldn't really get any use out of this myself. But... my son could. Your children could. And a lot of children other children could, too.

There are a few things I remember loving as a little girl. The Little Mermaid, Where In The World Is Carmen SanDiego, The Magic School Bus, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Reading Rainbow. Reading Rainbow was the one that I rarely missed when it aired on PBS. From the catchy song that everyone can remember, to the fact-rich content, and engaging host... it was the perfect recipe. I just loved it. There wasn't a single episode where I walked away without learning something. I can remember huddling up with my four siblings on the couch to watch it in the mornings. It offered something for each of us, even though we were all 2 years apart, and so my youngest brother was pretty little.

In 2006, Reading Rainbow was canceled after running for nearly 3 decades. With plenty of material to work with, reruns aired until 2009, when it was pulled from the schedule altogether. But it didn't completely stop there. The Reading Rainbow iPad app was launched in 2012, and became the #1 most-downloaded educational app on the iTunes App Store in 36 hours.

Now, don't get me wrong. "Screen time" is something every parent needs to put great thought into, and do what they are comfortable with. But it is something that all parents should consciously address. I first used a computer in 2001, as far as I can remember. My interest in the computer was so non-existent that I sat at the computer for a maximum of 4 hours every 3 months, and only to play a computer game by the name of "Monster Hunter." I didn't start to use a computer seriously until about 2003, after using a Mavis Beacon computer program to learn how to type. TV was always a bigger thing for my family, and something I became very disinterested in by the time I was 16, when I realized I had little patience for the brain-washing attempts of the commercials packed into each and every thing aired on TV.

For today's generation of parents. I don't think the question is any longer, "Do we let our children have screen time?" While you can put it off, to a degree, it is inevitable. Technology is becoming more and more integrated into our culture, and I think most people (if not everyone) can see that plainly. Our children will grow up knowing how to use technology, and goodness knows they will eventually excel us in such things. The question now is, "In what ways do we let them interact with technology and make use of their screen time?" There's an endless number of games and other flashy apps that offer little to no value to a young viewer who could better utilize their time elsewhere. So as kids become more and more connected with iPads, desktop and laptop computers, cell phones, and the rest of it... the more we need to address that we need rich content for the apps and other programs our children are exposed to. Children are sponges, eager to learn and absorb. And that's certainly wasted if they spend hours sitting in front of a screen that doesn't offer much.

LeVar Burton has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the heart and soul of Reading Rainbow to today's generation. How? LeVar Burton aims to bring Reading Rainbow to kids no matter where they want to access it. Their first step is to bring it to computers. To address the issue of 1 in 4 kids growing up in the U.S. illiterate, Reading Rainbow wants to create a version just for classrooms, and offer it to schools on tight budgets for free. As of 2011, the United States was the only free-market country where the current generation was less well-educated than the previous generation. Something has to be done. And you can help.

Check out the Kickstarter campaign and "kick in" by making a donation to help this project become a reality. This idea is already wildly supported. The Kickstarter campaign was only started yesterday morning, and when I viewed it only hours after it had launched, they had only raised $30k of their $1 million goal. Today, they now have almost double their original goal. This doesn't mean it isn't still worth donating. Exceeding their goal allows them to be able to do even more, and help even more kids. Click here to donate today.

"Bring Reading Rainbow back for every child, everywhere."

Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation, nor compensation of any other kind, for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The written content and any photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising or promotion of any kind, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Blogger Opp: Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide Giveaway

It’s Water Slide Time Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Grand Prize: Little Tikes Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide

Event dates: 6/16 - 6/30

Giveaway is open to US Residents.

SIGN-UP HERE

Aden + Anais Organic Muslin Swaddles: Perfect for Bundling Up Baby (Review)

Disclosure: I received free product in order to facilitate this review. I did not receive any monetary or other type of compensation. A full disclosure can be found at the end of this review.

Have you heard of Aden + Anais? If you are expecting, or the parent to a newborn or young child... You probably have. They have a very enthusiastic and very loyal following. But if you aren't familiar with the products through first-hand experience, you're probably wondering what the hype is all about.

Aden + Anais makes blankets, swaddles, sleep bags, and towels using muslin. The cotton muslin used for their signature and organic lines are popular due to their softness and breathability. They even have a line of luxury with their line of bamboo products!

Muslin swaddles are much more breathable than receiving blankets, making them not only safer to use with a newborn or infant, but also allows you to use them on warmer days where a receiving blanket could cause a little one to overheat. The 47"x47" size of the Aden + Anais swaddles is another thing that makes them fantastic. Larger than receiving blankets or many other brands of swaddles, you can find uses for the swaddles even long after your baby no longer needs to be swaddled! The generous size can swaddle Baby E with room to spare, even though he's almost 2-years-old (there's a picture below to prove it!). At his age, he obviously doesn't need to be swaddled any longer, but it is a perfect example of just how big they really are.

For many parents (myself included), there is a growing concern about the amount of chemicals are children are exposed to from pesticides in fresh produce, to unnecessary additives and preservatives in prepared goods, to air pollution we breathe in every day, to the chemicals in clothing. There's a lot to think about. It can be overwhelming to absorb, but also frustrating to find alternative options. Aden + Anais has a lovely line of organic cotton swaddles, allowing you to get the best and safest product for your child. My favorites from the organic collection are the Into The Woods and Wise Guys sets! Very gender neutral, and gorgeously designed, they make a lovely addition to any nursery. Baby E was already entering toddlerhood when I was hearing things left and right about Aden + Anais, and bumping into their products just walking down the street or when walking into baby boutiques. Unable to resist any longer, I just had to find out what all the fuss was about. I purchased a Liam the Brave dream blanket, which turned out to be just the beginning. We've acquired many Aden + Anais products since, including the Into The Woods swaddle set.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I bought my first Aden + Anais product all those months ago. But it didn't take long for me to see what everyone loves about their products! Muslin is very unique in its texture. It starts out straight and flat, and develops "waffles" as it is used and washed over time. These waves in the fabric make them extra cozy and cute! I've never owned anything with a texture anything like it. The only downside is that muslin swaddles are not for everyone because they have a somewhat delicate nature. Not everyone will be okay with the pulls and pills they develop with use, depending on how they are cared for and how gently they are used. But, the loose way that it is woven together (which is why it is a fairly delicate material) is what it allows it to be so breathable. You can bury your face in a swaddle, and still breathe through it effortlessly.

Although Baby E has outgrown the need for swaddling, he has definitely not outgrown a need for blankets! Even on the warmest days, he sleeps best when he feels very snug. Blankets comfort him greatly, and his naps are always cut short when he stirs from sleep and realizes he feels insecure. So blankets are a must, and this can be hard to pull off on really warm days where throwing even a light blanket on him can make him develop beads of sweat on his forehead. But that's where our Aden + Anais swaddles come in! I can throw a swaddle on him, and it's just enough to make him feel secure, without any risk of overheating him. There are plenty of uses that we find for our Aden + Anais swaddles, including using them as a nursing cover while we're out and about, covering the top of our stroller so that the sun doesn't beat down directly onto Baby E on sunny days, and bunching it up and letting Baby E use it as a pillow while he naps. Aden + Anais muslin swaddles have certainly become one of our household essentials!

To purchase Aden + Anais swaddles or any of their other amazing products, you can do so on their website. You can also follow them on Instagram, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, follow and check out their Pinterest boards, add them to your circle on Google+, and find out even more by watching videos about their products on their YouTube channel!

The Aden + Anais "Into The Woods" organic swaddles in their packaging.

A close up of the Aden + Anais "Into The Woods" organic swaddles in their packaging.

Close up on the "Into The Woods" hedgehog swaddle.

Close up on the "Into The Woods" solid blue swaddle.

Close up on the "Into The Woods" fox swaddle.

Baby E cuddled up with the Aden + Anais "Into The Woods" hedgehog swaddle!

Even though he's almost 2-years-old, these swaddles are so big he can still be swaddled.

Baby E is fast asleep on a warm spring day with the Aden + Anais "Into The Woods" fox swaddle.

Disclosure: This product was received by myself free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. I did not received monetary compensation of any kind. However, all opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The review and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising or promotion of any kind, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

INVENTA Is the Sleep Bag That's "Just Right"... All Summer Long (Review + Giveaway)

Disclosure: I received free product and monetary compensation in order to facilitate this review. However all opinions below are my own, and not in any way influenced by the brand. A full disclosure can be found at the end of this review.

Baby E turned 5 months old, and co-sleeping suddenly seemed effortless in comparison with waking up every 1.5 to 2.5 hours to nurse him during the newborn stage. It was (pretty much) smooth sailing from there. But then, one evening, Baby E started to kick off the blankets any time he stirred from a deep sleep. Pretty frustrating when you share the same blanket with a toddler and the blanket goes flying off you both when it's cold! I would pull the blanket back up swiftly, and then hold into the edge of the blanket for dear life so he wouldn't immediately kick it back off again. It only took a few nights of this lovely new habit Baby E had developed for me to go looking for a solution. Luckily, I confided in my friend B about the situation, and she suggested a product her daughter has been using since she was a newborn. A sleep sack.

If you've used a sleep bag on your little one before, you are probably well aware of their benefits. Including keeping your little one warm during the long, cold winter experienced in many parts of the world recently. Love To Dream offers the INVENTA Sleep Bag, available in three different warmth rates. For anyone who bundled up their bundle of joy in a sleep sack all winter like I did, you were probably having the same thoughts as I was just last month: How will I still be able to use a sleep sack as the weather gets warmer?

The INVENTA 0.5 TOG Sleep Bag is their thinnest and lightest style, and with the INVENTA Genius Cooling System, it is the smart and easy choice for the warm weather ahead. There are two mesh vents conveniently located in the back and front which can easily and effortlessly be opened to moderate your little one's temperature on hot days or nights. As if that isn't already enough to love, the INVENTA Sleep Bag has a silky and smooth bamboo lining (which is also very breathable) on the interior. It is hypo-allergenic, has a comfortable ergonomic design, and the Longa Shorta^TM feature allowing you to adjust the length as your child grows. The long side zipper, and shoulder snaps make it easy to put on your child even after they've fallen asleep, and allow you to even do diaper changes with minimal disruption.

The design for the Love To Dream INVENTA Sleep Bag is very well executed and performs extremely well. I have been putting the sleep bag onto Baby E for both naps and sleeping overnight. Putting it on while he's still awake is obviously ideal, but the design makes it manageable to slip Baby E into even after he's fallen asleep---a huge plus. I did find the first time I unzipped and then zipped up the mesh vent located on the front, the mesh was getting caught on the zipper. However I was able to solve this problem by slipping my finger under the zipper and then pulling the zipper along, preventing any catching from occurring. The hot air balloon design is absolutely adorable, and I love all of the soft colors the style is available in. Baby E has spent all of his naps and time sleeping overnight in the INVENTA Sleep Bag, and it's perfect! It's nice and snug on the top, so he isn't able to wiggle his head or shoulder out of it while sleeping as he does with another brand of sleep sack we own. This is my new first choice for a sleep bag, and am happy that I can use it all year long, even on the warmer days thanks to the Genius Cooling System!

You can purchase a Love To Dream INVENTA Sleep Bag (as well as many other amazing products) today on the Cariboo Distribution website. You can also find Cariboo Distribution on their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, subscribe to their YouTube channel for exciting videos, and follow their Pinterest boards.

Cariboo Distribution has kindly offered a giveaway of one INVENTA Sleep Bag to one lucky winner! Please take a moment to read the fine print for requirements to enter the giveaway, and follow instructions for each entry properly to ensure your entries count! Good luck!!!

The Love to Dream INVENTA Sleep Bag in the packaging.

The front of the INVENTA Sleep Bag with the mesh vent open.

The back of the INVENTA Sleep Bag with mesh vent zipped closed.

A close up of the back of the sleep bag with the mesh vent partially open.

Baby E trying on the Love to Dream INVENTA Sleep Bag!

Baby E, excited to nap in his INVENTA Sleep Bag for the first time.

Fast asleep in the INVENTA Sleep Bag for an afternoon nap!

Detail on the bottom of the INVENTA Sleep Bag in "Hot Air Balloon" design.

Fast asleep in his Love to Dream INVENTA Sleep Bag for the night.

Disclosure: This product was received by myself free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. I may have received monetary compensation for my time. However, all opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The review and all photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising or promotion of any kind, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Fine Print for Giveaway: Giveaway open to individuals 18+ who are residents of Canada. Entries are limited to one person per household. Giveaway begins May 12th at 11:59 pm PST, and ends May 26th at 11:59 pm PST. The winner of the giveaway will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool's Random.org. Winner will be notified via email, and first name and last name's first initial will be announced on the Found Frolicking blog. Please make sure your email address is correct when entered, so that you can be reached if you win. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email sent out to them, and should a response not be received within that time, the prizes are forfeited. Please follow the instructions for each entry, as you have to have done what was instructed for your entry to count. All entries will be verified. Found Frolicking is in no way responsible for prize shipment, but will work with the sponsors in all ways possible to ensure the winner receives their prizes. Void where prohibited. Entering using the Giveaway Tools form means you agree to the above terms. Thank you.

Entry-Form

Photo Friday - May 9th, 2014

Baby E has taken a liking to my computer. He discovered in the last week that it isn't any harder to climb onto a wooden chair than it is to climb onto the couch. His predicament now, is that he doesn't quite know how to get off! Here he is, completely stuck. At that point he wasn't able to climb back on, nor did he feel comfortable putting his foot far down enough to touch the floor. I giggled until he started whining for help. I couldn't help it! 20 months, 1 week.

Disclosure: The watermarked photo above is the property of Found Frolicking. It may not be used, sold, or distributed in any way without first gaining permission to do so. The links above were provided only because they are relevant and may be beneficial to my readers. I was not asked to share them by any source, nor was I compensated for sharing them.

Sign the Petition to Help Over 200 Girls Kidnapped From School! #BringBackOurGirls

There has been a lot in the news lately that has been keeping our attention divided. Somehow in all that, this horrible event that occurred weeks ago is only now starting to get attention. It is one of the greatest fears that any parent has, and is now a reality for these affected families.

Approximately 300 girls in Nigeria were kidnapped from school while studying for finals. A terrorist act by the group Boko Haram attempting to put a stop to Western education in Nigeria. The terrorists are threatening to sell the girls "into marriage" for the price of $12. Some of these girls were fortunate enough to escape, but still more than 200 girls are being held hostage. With good reasons, these parents are afraid for their daughters, not knowing what is happening to them or what the future will hold for them if they continue to remain in the hands of these terrorists. One father said it would be better to find out that his daughter were dead, rather than subjected to rape or being sold into sex trafficking. The Boko Haram terrorist group is now threatening to kill all of the captive girls. Action must be taken quickly before it is too late.

Please take just five minutes to sign this petition which still needs 20,000 more signatures to reach their goal, and this change.org petition. Spread the word and share the petitions with your family, friends, and social media using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls Help these mothers and fathers bring their daughters home. They need our help. Bring back our girls.



Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation, nor compensation of any other kind, for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The written content and any photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising or promotion of any kind, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Join the Super Team! #GreenForMuno

Only a glance at newspaper headlines reveals the same thing we see day after day: a whole lot of doom and gloom. When hearing such things, it's so easy to see only the bad, because that's generally all they show us. But it's key to remember that this isn't the reality. They get all of the attention because they are out of the ordinary. The truth is, their is a whole lot of beauty on this earth, and in our own species. So many people do things for others out of the kindness of their hearts without expecting anything in return. These are the people that make the world a better place. A place that is beautiful to live in, and a beautiful place to share.

One thing that is often on my mind, is the precipice we now find ourselves on. As hard as it is to admit, we're doing some things to the planet in order to sustain our current way of life that have very high costs. Climate change is accelerating at a very high rate, and extreme weather conditions are already being felt across North America and the rest of the world

If these things are already affecting us right now, how bad will things be for our children? Not changing is not an option. It takes all of us to demand better from ourselves and from big industries to do better for the planet. We are all responsible for taking care of this planet until it is handed over to the next generation. We need to nurture this planet with the same tender love and care that we apply to those we love---our parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and children.

Ignoring the big business efforts to create confusion over the issue of climate change, I think there is really one thing driving denial of climate change. And that is fear. Fear of change. Of having to change your life, or maybe even something about yourself. Humans have such strong instincts to fear change because the unfamiliar and unknown can be dangerous. Even today, there are still many cases where these instincts serve us well. Not walking down a dark alley at night, or proceeding cautiously past aggressive people on the street. But climate change is a serious issue that is simply too big to ignore. Rather than focusing so much energy on being afraid that it is real, we should refocus that energy into reminding ourselves of the cost to our children should we do nothing. Personally, there are few things as terrifying in my son's future as this: the prospect of one day having to explain to him how my entire generation failed our children. That we were so scared, we weren't able to change. That the burden of that fear is his generation's to bear, as weather continues to escalate to unimaginable extremes.

The silver lining of this predicament is, without a doubt, our children. They are our future, literally. During two years of volunteering at the San Francisco Zoo, I was amazed time and time again to find that children were full of knowledge where adults were uninformed. So many children are doing things to better their communities and the environment. They are our hope. And perhaps it wouldn't hurt if we were all a little more like them.

Lots of children out there are fans of the show Yo Gabba Gabba, and the #GreenForMuno campaign aims to bring climate change to the forefront. What better advocates could there be for climate change than our children? It gives them the opportunity to be proactive in the world we all share. Watch the video and then learn more at trueclimatestories.org!

Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation, nor compensation of any other kind, for my thoughts that are expressed above. All opinions expressed are my own, and were in no way influenced by the brand or any other sources. The written content and any photos with the watermark are the property of Found Frolicking, and should not be used or distributed in any way without first receiving permission. If you would like to work with Found Frolicking for a review, giveaway, advertising or promotion of any kind, please email Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

WINNER of "New Mom, New Year" Giveaway!

Thank you to all of you for visiting the blog, reading, and entering the New Mom, New Year giveaway! It was certainly lovely to work with all of the amazing brands to bring you this giveaway. And a big thank you to all of the incredible bloggers who helped spread the word! If you missed it and would like to read the post, click here.

If you like the blog and want to continue seeing amazing reviews and giveaways, please take a moment to vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs and Top Mommy Blogs (you can do it by clicking the buttons on the sidebar on the right hand side of the blog). Also make sure that you "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest!

If you didn't win this one, don't worry! I will continue to work hard to bring you amazing giveaways, so you'll have another chance again soon! Be sure to check all of the posts from the last month to find current giveaways.

Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. If you didn't win, you can find out all about the products that the amazing brands have to offer, and find a retailer on their websites. Thank you once again to Sweet Jane Clothing, the Moby Wrap Company, Bamboobies, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Boubeads, Momzelle, Bravado Designs, Peek Away, Belly Bandit, Juppy, and Brooklyn Grace Designs. Now for the giveaway winner! Drum roll, please!

Congratulations!!! You have 48 hours to respond. So go check your email! 

Stumblings & Sunshine

Hi everyone. I know it's been awhile. No doubt you've noticed there hasn't been a lot on the blog in the past month. Between my DSLR acting up, my card reader being lost (guess which little toddler lost it!), my new card reader refusing to work (note to self once again: take that darn thing back to the store), having to fight with the computer in order to get a single thing done (anyone have a sledgehammer I could borrow? Anyone? No?), and a whirlwind of paperwork and immigration related fees for my husband... I haven't had the time or inclination for writing. The warm weather has subdued winter at last, and this week is the first where I haven't seen a single patch of snow anywhere in the city. The signs of the cold, long winter are ebbing away, and the sunlight it makes way for is very welcome.

May is finally here, and the coming of June, which is only a short while away, will bring me to 5 years in Canada. Winter has never had much of an affect on my mood, nor did I ever allow it to hinder me. But this winter was a little different. The slow and frustrating immigration process is wearing on me, and with each day I feel my patience wearing out. Where once I had so much hope, excitement, and anticipation, it seems like I am now reaching into a well for water, even though I know it has been dry for months.

So the past few months I've just been trying to take things slow, refocus, and enjoy the little things. When I think about it, I realize how much I've lost of the things I love over the years. Listening to music, reading books, going for long walks, low-key dinner dates with friends, absorbing myself in arts, crafts, and writing. All of these things have always been my ways to cope. They are my therapy. How have I lost these things? I used to listen to music on my iPod while cleaning up around the house for several hours a day. But since having Baby E, I don't, due to the worry that I won't hear him if he falls. Or, if he's asleep, I'm worried he'll cry and I won't hear him. Besides, if I'm being completely honest I also like to sing along, pretty loudly, and goodness knows that would wake up my sensitive toddler who has the ears of a cat (heck, maybe better). While I was pregnant and when Baby E was a newborn, I found time occasionally to read through parenting books when I wasn't busy cleaning the house or trying to catch up on lost sleep. But when the newborn stage passed, so did that sense of some sort of free time. On the few occasions where I've tried to read a book, I'd get no more than a page along before Baby E was demanding my attention, or the phone rang, or I realized I had something else that needed to be done. Long walks in Alberta winters are simply unrealistic, since pushing even my amazing BOB stroller in nearly a foot of snow in a block feels about as challenging as hiking up Mount Everest. As for friends, all of my nearest and dearest friends live far away (with the exception of one who actually lives within 15 minutes of me but is always very, very busy). And then when it comes to art... who has the money? Art supplies don't come cheap, although I really wish they did!

Immigration especially is a source of a lot of stress for both me and my husband, J. But things are finally progressing again, and although there is no set date for when it will all be over, we have hope that it will be over soon. That at least we're getting closer. It's the standing still or floating aimlessly that frustrates us both so deeply. The good news with immigration arrived along with the sunshine, finally bearing the promise of spring. Along with the sunshine, the sheets of ice and blankets of snow have receded. Finally, I can exhale. Things are not perfect (and probably never will be), but things are going in the right direction. And there is so much to look forward to. Baby E will be turn 2 in August, my 5-year anniversary with J is next month, moving back to a place where all of my family and friends are, and there is a whole summer of festivals, events and family activities I welcome.

Hard as it is to believe, I've read two books in the last two weeks. Some days, as I'm cooking or baking I play music on the computer that Baby E will dance to, and it makes me happy that we both can enjoy it together. Baby E becomes more independent by the day, and where even a month ago he wanted me by his side every moment, playing as he played, he is now happy to explore and create fun of his own---on his own. Many days I take him out for the afternoons and we give ourselves little things to do that are excuses to go out and enjoy the fresh air, and soak up the sunshine. Slowly, things are falling into place, and it makes me feel free.



Disclosure: The written content and any photos above are the property of Found Frolicking. It may not be copied, sold, or distributed in any way without first receiving permission to do so directly from Found Frolicking. With any requests, you can reach Lalia at found.frolicking@gmail.com.

Enter to WIN $100 Cash! #PBCraveSweeps

Peanut butter has been one of the loves of my life since I was little. Whether spread out with jam for a sandwiches, generously spooned onto Ritz crackers, or eaten with celery sticks---peanut butter is always delicious. To this day, trying new peanut butter products are always exciting for me. If you love peanut butter as much as I do (or if your kids do!) you may be interested to know that with any PB Crave purchase on their website you will receive a FREE Cookie Nookie variety pack with your order. To take advantage of this limited time promotion, please go to their website.

Today I also have a great sweepstakes brought to you by PB Crave. How would you like to win a $100 instant Paypal cash? Here's your chance thanks to the PB Crave sweepstakes! Head on over to VoiceBoks to enter now!

Click here to enter.