**This post about our favorite children's books contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. My girls are both at such fun ages when they love to listen to (and try to read) colorful and inspiring children's books. If you are a parent or you spend a lot of time with young children, you might agree that not all children's books ... Read more
Flying With a Toddler
The last time I flew with my youngest she was 2 months old. It was was an easy and smooth trip with no hiccups. Flying with her at 18 months as a toddler, meanwhile, was ... challenging. My mistake was choosing an evening flight. My daughter's normal bedtime hit during the end of the flight. I could tell she was tired, yet she was ready to play. She refused to be rocked or nursed to sleep, yet ... Read more
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
** Thank you, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, for hosting my family for a visit to Brick or Treat. I've wanted to take the girls to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg, near Chicago, for quite some time, and the Brick or Treat event, happening now until Nov. 3 this year, was the perfect opportunity to get festive this Halloween while doing something new as a family. For Brick or ... Read more
How We Prepared Our 5-Year-Old for Kindergarten
V started kindergarten yesterday, which is mind-blowing. It's been a busy couple of weeks of shopping, attending classes, visiting her new school and meeting her teacher. We have tried to pump her up for the start of school and she seemed excited to go to a new school and make new friends. Yesterday morning we walked her to the school bus stop, because she wanted to ride with her friends in the ... Read more
Affordable Spring Fashion Finds for the Family
** This post is sponsored by Walmart.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. If we start dressing like it's spring, will Chicago temperatures get the memo? I am daydreaming about going on vacation to somewhere warm and tropical, like Florida or Hawaii, but I'll settle for more sunshine and less rain. I recently picked up a few spring items for my daughters and myself. We ... Read more
A’s 8-Month Update
This has been a major month in terms of milestones for Addi. She has changed so much in a short time, and this phase has become my favorite so far. I love watching her do new things and learn every day. Sleep: After waking 3-5 times a night every night since she turned 4 months old, we decided it was in our family's best interest to attempt to teach her to fall asleep on her own. It's been less ... Read more
Adelina’s 7-Month Update
Every baby update I've read starts with disbelief about the child growing so quickly. You can go ahead and insert that statement here about Addi. As of today she is 7 months old! She's so much closer to 1 now and I can't handle it. I haven't posted an update since she was 4 months old, so I wanted to share a bit about how she's doing now. Sleep: Addi is still waking up at least three times a ... Read more
Why Brookfield Zoo Is Worth A Visit
There are certain Chicago area spots that are worth repeat visits. For us, Brookfield Zoo is one of them. You don't need to have children to enjoy a day at Brookfield Zoo. In fact, we often see adults roaming the grounds with a beer in hand and not a worry about keeping a kiddo entertained. My brother- and sister-in-law visited over Labor Day weekend and Graham and I thought we might have some ... Read more
How I Organize My Baby Changing Station
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I like for all areas of my home to be neat and organized, and that's become a challenge with two kids, but at least my diaper changing station is in order. When Addi was first born we weren't even sure we would buy a baby changing ... Read more
Flora Family Photo Session
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Graham and I have a tradition of taking photos around the time of our wedding anniversary to document our life together. It's been so fun to capture the changes to our family: Over the past four years we've gone from just the two of us ... Read more