Many of you know that I have an insaniac 2 year old boy who’s constantly on the go and who I think would not sleep if we didn’t make him go to bed (seriously, my hubby and I have considered just letting him go to see what time he would actually fall asleep).

Anyway, one thing my outdoorsy, active 2 year old has recently done is remind me of all the fun summer things I did as a kid.  It’s sad to admit, but I had forgotten about so many of these.

In a way I’m now able to relive my own childhood memories while making more for me and him (OK.  So he’s only 2 and won’t remember any of this when he’s older, but I like to think he will anyway).  It’s so fun to remember being a kid at summer and spending hour upon hour doing nothing and loving every minute of it.  Every day was filled with imagination and fun.  Ahhhhh.  It’s just too bad I wasn’t able fully appreciate it all when it was happening, but at least I can appreciate it all now.

With all of this, I now give you my list of “How to Tell It’s Summer” based on all my old (and new) memories.  Hopefully these bring back some fun memories for you too.

• Eating Popsicles on the front steps
• Laying on the grass and figuring out what all the clouds look like
• Running through the sprinkler
• Water guns
• Dirty feet (seriously black-bottom feet)
• Sand found everywhere. Yes-everywhere.
• Sitting in the driveway watching ants walk away with bits of the apple we left for them
• Playing wiffleball and hide & seek and tag and red rover and. . .
• Rolling down grassy hills or spinning in circles to see who can stay standing the longest (I was pretty darn good in my day!)
• Staying up way past bedtime since it was still light out
• Lightening bugs
• The warm smell of asphalt when it rains (I love that smell) — and jumping in the puddles, of course!
• Riding my bike all over the place
• The ice cream man! (mine was called Jolly Joe)

And since I’m sure I forgot a few, make sure to send me some of yours!

This is Joey, son of Josh Clapper from the Swing and Entertainer Team. If fish could talk, I wonder if the conversation would go something like this…

Joey - “Hey Mr. Fish, can I have my worm back?”

Mr. Fish - “Too late for that kid. Ooohhh, aaaahhh, not behind the gills, kid! That tickles!”

Catching your first fish- priceless!

Every Wednesday we’ll be sharing a photo showing off a little bit of wonder in the lives of our extended Graco family of customers, employees and friends.

Gus just completed his annual week in the mountains at summer Boy Scout Camp. I don’t know exactly how many Scout Troops were there this year, but there sure were a lot of uninformed Scouts on that mountain. I haven’t seen that much Khaki since the last clearance sale at the GAP. As usual, he had a great time at camp (mainly because no one nagged him to take a shower). He hiked, swam, started fires (mostly campfires), OD’d on slushies and candy bars from the snack bar and worked on merit badge requirements.

My wife and I go up to Scout Camp on Friday night for the big family Campfire. They serve the parents and families a barbecued chicken dinner and then everyone enjoys the big campfire with awards and skits and songs – it’s really a fun night. The drive up to Scout Camp is about an hour. My wife and I were getting ready to head up to camp when the phone rang. I picked up and heard, “Dad? It’s me.” Glad he identified himself, because I have no other children and this voice on the phone sounded like James Earl Jones mumbling into a pillow. Why do teenagers all mumble? That, I think, is an entire post of its own. Anyway, the strange thing was he left earlier in the week with a boy’s voice; higher pitched and youthful. What I heard at the end of the week was low…really low – no cracking, no warbling, no Peter Brady screeching – just low. “Who is this and what have you done with Gus!?!” I asked. “Ha-ha, just stop it dad, are you coming up for the campfire tonight?” I told him we’d be there in about an hour. And so we were.

When we finally got to the campsite and talked with Gus he told us about his “Speece” award (a fun award meant to recognize each Scout for something memorable that happened to them during the week).
Gus: I got the “Tick Magnet” award
Me: Chick Magnet award? How do you get that at BOY SCOUT CAMP? What merit badges were you working on again?
Gus: Not CHICK MAGNET…TICK MAGNET.
I wasn’t sure which award one made me more nervous.
“I got three tick bites this week,” he said, “one here, one here and one here.” With that, he lifted his shirt and showed us. Near his armpit he had a large red mark which appeared to be swollen. “Oh my goodness,” my wife gasped. “Don’t worry,” Gus said, “I went to sick bay and they said it was okay- it just broke a blood vessel or something.” I told him we’d better monitor it because of the chance of Lyme disease. He just rolled his eyes, which is teenager for “Dad’s an idiot.”

Once back home, that red spot turned into a welt. We called the doc who told us we need not worry unless he get’s the infamous bull’s eye rash and a fever. He didn’t, but after a week, he was complaining of headaches, a stiff neck and muscles, and was more lethargic than usual (too tired to shower? what a surprise). Then we noticed the welt had morphed into a large rash – not a bull’s eye – just a rash. My wife took him to the Doc’s the next day. Yep! It’s Lyme Disease, Mr. Tick Magnet. Next time, use your bug spray. He’s taking medication now and expected to be fine in about a month.

But it makes you wonder about ticks. They can’t be very smart, or they have a really bad sense of smell. Of all the real estate on the kid’s body, this one has to duck his head and chow down on Gus’ armpit. Everyone knows, you NEVER, EVER get that close to a 13 year old boy’s armpit – not without a gas mask and biohazard suit, anyway. To my knowledge, nothing’s ever gotten close to those armpits and lived to tell about it – especially not that tick.

To be honest, seeing how tired and weak Gus seems right now, I wish he had won a Chick Magnet award instead. But I guess it’s just a matter of time for that award, especially with that smooth new James Earl Jones voice.

I can now laugh about this story, but there was a moment when I couldn’t hold back the tears. Most people reading this will think it’s a bit strange – I can tell you I received my fair share of stares at the Rental Car Office. But to all of the mothers out there, I know you will be able to relate…

Here’s the story.
I was on my last business trip before I was “grounded” - no more flights before Baby #2 arrives. Upon returning my rental car and hopping on the shuttle bus to the Atlanta airport – I realized I left my purse in the rental car. I ran back – and within that 5 minute window of time, someone had stolen my purse.

To add to the drama and allow you to visualize this sight:
• I’m 5’2”, 8 months pregnant
• I wear a backpack for work that is loaded (people joke it is a nice balance with the baby bump)
• Pulling my suitcase
• Wearing Heals
• Standing out IN THE POURING RAIN!!
As the rental car managers begin the search – over 3 hours go by.
And somewhere between the gal checking me in and the guy cleaning the car – my purse is gone!

I begin running through the necessary steps:
Cancel the cards, call the bank, etc.
When I realize my social security card & license were in my purse – a small “controlled” panic rushes over me as I realize I will most likely be a victim of “personal identity theft.” I remain in control – “that’s ok, we’ll manage” I say to myself. I just need to be more cautious in the future.

At this point – I don’t have money to pay for anything, even the airline wanted to charge me $100 for changing my flight. No identification to board the plane – the airline requires a police report in this situation to allow my on board the plane. I’m managing!!

UNTIL…I REALIZE, BEAR’s FIRST LOCK OF HAIR WAS IN AN ENVELOPE IN MY PURSE!!! AAAAHHHH!! I begin to cry!
All kinds of people were stopping asking how they could help, once I started crying. The funny part is I couldn’t bring myself to tell them “why” I was crying. Our daughter has been practically bald, this first haircut comes after 2 years of growth. You can imagine the emotional attachment.

So I ask “what is the first lock of hair worth”? To me, it’s priceless. To the rental car company that stole my purse?… they gave me 2 free rentals.

I am very happy to say that I am here at the AMAZING BlogHer Conference (and I hope this post doesn’t feel like I’m rubbing it in to you and you and you) but I have been excited about coming since I went to BlogHer Business in April and because of all the non-stop buzz on Twitter, You Tube and numberous blogs. Well the time has come…

Melissa and I arrived yesterday so we could set up camp, (maybe have an hour or two in Union Square!) get our business cards in our holsters, get our Flip Cam ready to film, our cameras charged up and our game faces on.  We. Are. Ready. To. Have. Fun. Work. (Chris-I can assure you this is work. I just happen to have a great job!)

Well this is the 4th year for the BlogHer Conference and one thing I heard time and time again last night was how much it’s changed since the conference’s first year.  One of the biggest changes has to be the sheer amount of attendees – which means, the number of people blogging has grown significantly.  It makes sense, really - who wouldn’t want to be a part of what’ s happenning in this space.  I’ve talked about how amazing the blogosphere is - it is made up of groups of amazing people that support, listen and love each other in a very unique (virtual) way. The incredible community that BlogHer has created is a shining example of that. These people are welcoming, friendly, bubbly, loud and most of all, clearly happy to be a part of this remarkable group. (the welcoming part is totally true- a quick thanks to Liz and Kellan for “saving” me when I was wondering around looking like a lost puppy dog last night!)

If last night was an indication of how fun informative the next 3 days are going to be then I am in for a tiresome but fabulous time  I look forward to meeting all of you! (and if you see me and I’m looking lonely, please say hi!)

I am elated that Marcia Cross agreed to blog for Graco! Marcia and husband Tom Mahoney, welcomed fraternal twins, Eden and Savannah, in February of 2007. The girls were in Graco Infant SafeSeats as infants and enjoyed napping in a Graco Twin Bassinet. Most recently Marcia has upgraded her girls to a Toddler SafeSeat Step 2. As a very successful actress, Marcia has received countless Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work on Desperate Housewives. She has also won the Satellite Award in 2006 for Best Actress in a Series and was the proud winner of 2 Screen Actor Guild Awards in 2005 and 2006. MARCIA IS ON FIRE! I’m sure if they had “The Academy” nominate for best moms, Marcia would definitely be an candidate. Marcia seems to love her job as Mommy to Eden and Savannah and was kind enough to share some highlights from her motherhood experience and tell us a little bit about her girls. Now heeeeere’s Marcia!

What is your favorite part about being a mom?

There are so many things that I cherish about being a mom that I couldn’t say what I like best, but among the tops joys are looking in my daughters eyes, watching them discover new things and cuddling with them before bed. Each day bring new surprises! They are talking and laughing and boy are they smart. Yes, they are geniuses and are already outwitting me at every turn.

What was your latest wondrous moment with your child?

I am asked about what it is like to take care of twins and I always respond that I know nothing different. I think in twos. I do however wish from time to time that I could give them my undivided attention more often. There is always the other in my mind no matter what I am doing or whom I am doing it with. Of course the pleasure they get from each other is beyond the sweetest thing I have ever seen between two people and I know that bond will continue to grow day by day. I thank God they have each other. I could not imagine my life without my sisters.

What is your favorite children’s book?

We love to read all kinds of books and now we enjoy going to the library and getting new ones each week. I remember doing that with my mother and it is such a happy memory. I hope they will continue to love reading as much as they do now. I however haven’t been able to read a book since they were born! Later. For now I will be content to read their books, which I must say, is a joy.

Is there any advice that you can offer to new Moms?

I have no advice for new moms except perhaps what was told to me and proven true already. It goes so fast. Before you know it they are walking and talking and it seems in the moment they will be out the door. Cherish each moment. I guess my own personal advice would be to take care of you. My girls have a happy mom and I think that is a gift to them as well as to me. So I guess I have more advice to give then I thought!

What is your favorite Graco product?

My favorite Graco products are the Pack ‘n plays, (yes plural) which have already been to many places, my trailer, Vancouver, Mexico, and soon Maine. It is so great to have portable beds for my girls so they can always feel safe and comfortable. We also just installed their second Graco car seats, which they absolutely love! They are now facing front and can look out the window and at Mama! Best of all I can reach back and hold their hands at red lights. Oh and did I mention they come with cup holders!!!

I’m looking for some help/opinions on this one, so take a read and let me know what you think…

Jagger (who is a month shy of 3 ½) has been peeing on the potty since his 3rd birthday (although we had a 3 week regression a little while ago but we’ve resolved that). However, he WILL NOT go poop on the potty. And he’s always had issues with pooping (hope you don’t cause’ if you do, you might want to stop reading now) and has had bouts of constipation as long as we can remember. So- we haven’t pushed him when it comes to this. We figured as he got more and more comfortable peeing on the potty, the next step would come naturally. Well it hasn’t and you know what? I’m tired of wiping his hieny so I have begun to push him to try the potty - with no success.

I forget what brought it on, but the other day Jagger came up to me and told me he was tired of going poopy in his pants and he was ready to go in the potty. Of course I was very excited about that but was a little doubtful that this would be it. So just to make sure I understood and that he was sure of himself, we made our “deal.” This is something I like to do with Jagger. We make eye contact and say “THAT’S THE DEAL” as we shake hands. Besides making a verbal promise, I think this is a good way to attach a physical action to a child’s promise, that way I can remind them “remember, we shook on it?” (as I’m dragging them out of the moonbounce after “3 more minutes.”) Anyway, we made our deal, he made [empty] promises and then we ceremoniously put on his Lightning McQueen big boy underpants.

Fast-forward 3 hours and I’m making Jagger throw his favorite underpants in the trash because he pooped on Lightning. He didn’t like that, he was upset and I was upset. It wasn’t that he had “an accident,” (I saw that coming a mile away) it was that he had broken his promise to me. I want him to know how important someone’s word is – that this is really all we have – our words. I really want to have him understand that you don’t make promises lightly. My husband and I are careful about that and don’t make promises we can’t fulfill (or punishing threats we can’t follow through on) - so how come he keeps doing this? (this isn’t the first time)

So I told my husband, in order for Jagger to really understand how disappointing going back on your word can be, I wanted to promise to put his new pool up that afternoon and then after he got up from his nap, NOT put it up. Cruel? Smart? Too advanced for a 3 ½ year old? Tell me what you think and/or what you would do to help a child understand how to keep promises (and people’s trust).

I recently came back from a week long trip to Orlando, FL. PP experienced a lot of firsts during this trip: first airplane ride, first time riding in a bus, first weeklong vacation with her cousins, first trip to Disney, first trip to Universal Studios, first live show on stage, first 4D video, and first “explosive accident” while in the final dissent of our flight (more on that later).

We had a great time and I learned a lot along the way, so I wanted to share some of the dos and don’ts that I know I will keep in mind for our next trip…

Dos:
• Do carry your video camera & digital camera at all times: we only brought the video camera for Animal Kingdom but looking back, I wish we would have used it more (PP loves watching the videos now that we are back home)
• Do bring lots of sunscreen: with the intense Florida sun, you have to do many re-applications throughout the day
• Do pack lots of baby wipes: these are great for cleaning up your child throughout the day as they touch lots of (dirty) rides, eat ridiculously large lollipops, and lick very messy & melty ice cream cones. Oh yeah, and it also helps when you are on the airplane & your daughter has a mega BM & you only have 5 wipes left for clean up!!
• Do bring rain gear: sounds cheesy but there are so many times that I wished I had brought my rain jacket & a rain cover for the stroller. There were quite a few times that we got stranded in a gift shop as we waited for the rain to let up. (I would suggest finding a less expensive place to wait it out)
• Do your research - we stayed at off-resort housing which was cheaper upfront, but in the end, it forced us to pay for transportation and parking each day which really added up.

Don’ts:
• Don’t be tempted to buy a lot of souvenirs: there are so many gift shops in each park & it is hard to turn your little one down as their eyes light up & pick out toys that they “must have.” Or set a dollar limit (under $5) so they can get something small.
• Don’t rent a stroller at the parks: bring your own stroller. There are so many times it comes in handy other than the park - like at the airport as you keep your child contained & secure in the stroller as you zip through the airport & is much cheaper than the ones you can rent at the parks (most parks charge $12 a day & I wouldn’t say they are the cleanest either…)
• Don’t forget to do a little pre-planning: we knew what parks we wanted to go to & what rides we wanted to go on so we were pretty efficient during the day & got to most of what we wanted to see at Disney

Most importantly - Enjoy every moment: there is a reason why they call it the “Magic of Disney”  - it truly is. It is such a different & wonderful experience visiting Disney when you have a small child (and you now have an excuse to ride all of the super cute kiddy rides!)

As I mentioned before, working at Graco makes me the unofficial expert in everything baby [gear, that is]. So when my roommate from college, Beth, told me she was pregnant with her first little one, I was so excited! Fellow blogger Melissa and I went to work on helping Beth prep for baby. I stuck with the gear, while Melissa, mom to PP, became her registry buddy for everything else.

Beth is the second in my group of close friends to have a baby. You would think after working here for five years, I would be unphased by people having babies, but when it’s one of your close friends, it’s just different! It’s like this sudden realization that we have responsibility for the next generation,  it’s wondering if we’re old enough or experienced enough or rich enough. The truth is, you are never any of those things, or at least that’s what I am learning. Watching Beth, and her husband Chris, (one of the most fun couples I know) prepare for this baby has given me a new appreciation for how people feel during this phase of life- overwhelmed and happy, all at the same time.

With everything else they had to prepare for, I told Beth and Chris that I would be happy to come over one night to put everything together- a Graco house call, if you will!  My husband Kevin and I went over for dinner and assembly. When I walked into their house, I was a little taken aback. I have put plenty of products together in my day, but never have I seen such a mountain of Graco boxes at someone’s house- this was going to be interesting! (looks like she took our advice on what to register for and our friends weren’t afraid to get it for her either!)

After dinner, we got straight to work. Beth and I headed into the basement with the bulk of the products, while Chris and Kevin stayed in the kitchen to “put together the wood highchair”. An hour later we caught them talking and laughing over a drink with the highchair “almost there”. In the meantime, I got to work on the Pack ’n Play, and the sweetpeace newborn soothing center. Once the sweetpeace was together, and I showed Beth how to use the swaddle blanket. I could tell at that point, it hit her that her baby was going to be swaddled in this little blanket very soon. It was so sweet to see the emotion that this product brought forth. Little “cubby” would soon be here*, and with a few products to go, we would all be ready!

The boys finally got the highchair together, and I finished up with the stroller and car seat. It was funny to see the once “couple-centric” home be so clearly transformed into the home of a family. *Very soon, there would be the sweet sounds of a little baby in here. While it may not been as easy as I had first thought, I was happy to help carve out “cubby’s” little space in my friends’ lives. I can’t wait to meet this little miracle!

*UPDATE! Little Cubby (who turned out to be a beautiful little girl) arrived this past Tuesday. Beth and Chris are excited (and hopefully a little less anxious because of my help) to bring her home today!

I was inspired to write this after reading “Dirty Little Secrets.”
I found this light-hearted book inspiring because it takes a little bit of the guilt away. You know that feeling you have when you tell your child they can’t have sweets before dinner – and you dip your finger into the can of frosting without them looking. Of course…we are the adult and we determine what’s right & wrong. But there is a little laugh to be had knowing that we share these similar “little moments” with millions of moms around the world.

So I took some time to reflect on my “dirty little secrets.” My husband was out of town for work and I felt like I had moment after moment that could apply to this rule book. For starters – I had a 7pm conference call for work that I took from home - which required me to entertain my daughter. So I’m embarrassed to admit I propped my non-objecting daughter up in front of her favorite Barney Circus Video. It was a quick conference call that ended around 7:30 – my pregnancy cravings were kicking in, so I asked Bear if she would be interested in scooting out for an ice-cream cone? Again…no objection. She was giddy. And I wonder why?? She is 2 years old, in her pajamas, with the clock hitting the dreaded 7:30/8:00pm – and mommy proposes a late-night ice cream run. FANTASTIC!!

That same week – while my husband was traveling, our daughter was having a tough time sleeping. We NEVER bring her into our bed. We are structured, sleep training advocate parents – you guessed it…I brought that little bear into our bed and cuddled up snug & tight. After a couple of stories, Bear turned to me and said “Mommy, this is a lot of fun.”  As I looked at the clock glaring 2:00am – I laughed inside and thought; this is what memories (and dirty little secrets) are made of.

So the next time you grab the last pop-tart or pull your restless little girl in bed with you to cuddle at midnight – don’t think of it as a ‘dirty little secret’ rather a MEMORY MAKER!!