Rafi's 1st School Project

Rafi has been attending a PreK class for 3 year old children who have a slight delay in development.  In Rafi's case his delay is in speech so he is also getting Speech Therapy 3 times a week.  He is doing soo well.  It's only been 2 weeks and his teacher says he is improving already.  We are super happy for this news.  He will also start Occupational Therapy this week to see if he has any Sensory Processing issues.  His teacher says she has not seen any so far in the classroom.  His original evaluation shows that he does need the therapy.  He gets frustrated easily and is impossible to calm down once he gets a "meltdown".  A meltdown is what I call him crying and screaming for a very long period of time.  It is not a tantrum but rather him showing his frustration due to his lack of communication and possible sensory issues. 
As I shared before in this post, I have been reading The Out of Sync Child.  This book has been super helpful in understanding exactly what is going on with Rafi and why he behaves the way he does at times. 
Rafi is doing so well that he already has made a new friend.  :o)  I won't share his name due to privacy, but he and his family are very nice and sweet.  He even loves greeting Isabella when I go pick up Rafi after class.  He calls Isabella "his baby".

Stay tuned for more updates on how Rafi is doing with school and his therapy sessions.

Thanks for reading!! 

God Bless You!

Cloth Diapering

In an effort to try and save money so that we can afford Rafi's new diet and therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder, I decided to switch my daughter Isabella to cloth diapers. 
I started using Kawaii Diapers because they were more affordable.  Since then, thanks to sales and free gift cards, I added some Fuzzibunz and BumGenius diapers to our collection.  I also use a Fuzzibunz hanging pail to keep the dirty diapers until I do laundry.  I wash them every two days or so.  So far, I have 8 Kawaii, 8 Fuzzibunz, and 4 BumGenius.  I think this should be enough so I can wash them every 2 days. 
I use Rockin Green detergent to wash them as you need a special detergent otherwise your diapers will start to repel rather than absorb.  I also use biodegradable flush-able diaper liners by Gro-Via.  These make cleaning soiled diapers super easy. 
For diaper rash, which now that she is on cloth diapers she rarely gets them, I use Gro-Via Magic Stick or Coconut Oil.  They are both safe for cloth diapers.  Other creams could damage or stain cloth diapers.    

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

I am currently learning tons about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).  We are suspecting that our son has it and while he gets officially diagnosed I am reading and learning as much as possible to be able to help him.  I am reading the Out of Sync Child and the Out of Sync Child has Fun both by Carol Stock Kranowitz.  So far I answered a questionnaire and was able to determine which areas he needs the most help.  The books also have tons of activities to do with them.  I have so far tried home made play doh, silly putty, walking on a sheet of bubble wrap, home made oobleck, and recently ordered him a trampoline to get him jumping. 
I will be posting photos and recipes for the home made items.  I will also be posting some more detailed information on what I learn about SPD as I go thru this journey with our son. 

Crayola Bubbles and More at Toys R Us - Saturday Fun

Rafi and I went on a morning outing on Saturday.  Here is what we did together while Dad watches Izzie at home. 
We went to Toys R Us today.  We got an excellent deal on Crayola Outdoor products.  We got a bubble launcher, a bubble set with different wands, and a box of 52 sidewalk chalk.  All for just over $13 after sale and coupons.  I used $2 off coupons for the Bubble products and the sale was 25% off the bubble launcher, almost 50% off the bubble set and Buy 2 Get 3rd Free so the Sidewalk Chalk set was Free.  Very cool!  Anyway, the color bubbles are super colored.  Here is a photo of Rafi after he played with it. 

They are non toxic and washable so no problems.  :o) 
We also got him a Spiralin Seas Waterpark by Little Tikes.  It was on sale for $29.99 and I had a $5 off coupon for any Little Tikes product and a $5 off coupon on any $25 purchase plus a $5 rewards certificate.  So after all the discounts I paid about $15 for it.  I am super happy.  Izzie got some pants from the clearance rack at B1G1 50% off clearance price.  We also got a couple of other baby items we needed and paid about $34 after all discounts.  Very nice!! 
We also went to Old Navy and got flip flops for $1 each (5 limit per person).  They do this sale every year which is nice cause you can get the kids new sizes. 
We also got some Frappuccinos at Barnes and Noble.  He got Vanilla Bean and I got the Decaf Mocha Coconut. Very yummy treat on a terribly Hot Summer FL Day! 

What did you all do on Saturday?

Returning to my blog!!

Hi everyone!  I took a too long leave of absence but I am returning to share lots of new things.  I recently added a new member to the family.  Her name is Isabella Rose.  She is precious!! 

So with our newborn will come new baby info that I would like to share with you all.  Also, I am currently learning about Sensory Integration Issues in children so you will be reading a lot about that too.

Thanks for your patience with me.  I have a desktop and not a laptop so it makes it difficult to sit down to write with two young children, but I will be making time to share now lots of new and old info with you as well as photos of our growing children.

God Bless!!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Xander and the Wind - A Story Before Bed Free Books

Here are two more Free books from A Story Before Bed.

• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

• Xander and the Wind

Go HERE for my previous posts about other Free books from A Story Before Bed.

These books are valued at $9.99.  All you need is a camera and microphone on your computer so you can make a recording of you reading the story for your child.  Once it is recorded, you can preview it before saving it.  After you save it, you can access it anytime.  If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod you can access it there too after you download their free app.

Free Samples by Mail

I just signed up for the following Free Samples by Mail. 
Thanks goes to Freebies 4 Mom for posting these.

• Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff hair care from Walmart.
• Wisk laundry detergent from Walmart.
• Crest Pro-Health for Me toothpaste from Vocalpoint.
• Crest Pro Health Clinical Protection toothpaste from Walmart.
• Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Wipes tub Not a Free Sample for an actual Full Tub from Cottonelle for you and a Friend when you sign up to receive a coupon by mail for a free tub.
•  Jergens Overnight Repair Nightly Restoring Moisturizer and Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer plus a $1 coupon.
•  Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture hair care sample from Costco. This sample is available to everyone (just leave the membership number field blank)
•  Pampers Dry Max diapers (your choice size 3, 4, or 5) from Sam’s Club for everyone (you do not need to be a Sam’s Club member to receive your free sample).  Freebies 4 Mom site says it is expired but I was able to fill out the form and get a confirmation stating I should receive it in about 4-6 weeks so we shall see.
• 2011 Planning Calendar from WomensHealth.gov. Calendars begin shipping December 2010. I was able to order one English and one Spanish Calendar.
  
• Shout Color Catcher from SCJohnson.  
• Kashi TLC Snack Drive (select from TLC Cereal Bar Ripe Strawberry, TLC Chewy Granola Bar Trail Mix, TLC Crackers Original 7 Grain).  I chose the Crackers. 
• John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Shampoo, Strength Restoring Conditioner and Strength Restoring Smoothing Lotion.  Fill out the form and answer a few questions about your current hair care plan.

That is all for now.  I needed to catch up as I have not been using my computer very much since I found out I am pregnant.  I now feel I have more energy so you should see more posts from me from now on.

Thanks and Enjoy the Free Samples!!

Huggies Rewards Codes - Sept. 2010

Here are the codes for FREE points to your Huggies Enjoy The Ride Rewards Program.
Thanks goes to Freebies 4 Mom for posting the codes. 

• Sept. 1st. -  Watch the “Puppet” Video (2 pts); Take the “Baby Safety Month” Poll (1 pt); BGNDNHQCDQBMPGB (1 pt) 
• Sept. 10th -  BJNZKHMLTMXDPGB (5 pts)
• Sept. 11th - BJKFTDXKFHCDPGB (5 pts); BJKNGQJRMBQRPGB (5 pts)
• Sept. 17th - BGQGLPKMCPXPPGB (1 pt); Take the “Leaky Diaper” Poll (1 pt)
• Sept. 22nd - BJLTSTSFXCQMPGB (5 pts); 76320755 (bonus code for double pts. on purchased packages, enter after selecting store, expires 10/31); 89217100 (bonus code); 96739416 (bonus code)

 You can redeem your points for any reward of your choice.  

Pampers Rewards - Codes for Sept. 2010

Here are some Codes for Free Points to add to your Pampers Gifts to Grow Rewards Program.
Thanks goes to Freebies 4 Mom for posting these.

• Sept. 1st - SepFacebook2010 (10 points)
• Sept. 10th - GIFTS2GROWBONUS (20 points)

You can get some really nice rewards using your codes.  Every time you purchase a Pampers product, don't forget to add your code to your account.  

Enjoy!!

Baa Baa Black Sheep - A Story Before Bed Free book

Go HERE for my previous post about other Free books from A Story Before Bed.
Thanks Freebies 4 Mom for this post.

Go HERE and record a FREE book "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (valued at $9.99) at A Story Before Bed.  All you need is a camera and microphone on your computer so you can make a recording of you reading the story for your child.  Once it is recorded, you can preview it before saving it.  After you save it, you can access it anytime.  If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod you can access it there too after you download their free app.

Sorry for the Absence

If you follow me on Facebook, you know by now that my husband and I are expecting an addition to the family.  The Baby's due date is April 12th.  Right now I am on week 9 and feeling exhausted all the time.  You will see a lack of posts until I reach my 2nd Trimester.  Hopefully by then I will have more energy and be able to write a bit more.  I joined Babycenter.com and you can find me under screen name EngTaniaL.   
Thank you all for continuing to read my blog and I look forward to exciting new Posts to come.

Thanks and have a great week!!

Kohl's Cares for Kids - Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Kohl's has lots of nice plush toys and books for their Cares for Kids program.  They are all $5 each with 100 percent of the net profit going to kids' health and education initiatives.  Last program I purchased all the Toy Story plush and books.  In the past, my mother in law has gotten for Rafi the Dr. Seuss plush and books.  They are high quality plus they seem to be allergy friendly (not sure though, but from looking and feeling the fabric of the plush they seem to be good for kids with allergies).

Barnes and Noble Clearance Sale - Nice Kid's books

The Barnes and Noble Clearance Sale includes lots of kid's books for as low as $1.78.  They have holiday books like Counting Christmas by Karen Katz or regular non holiday books like Fisher Prize My Little People School Bus.  Also, if you spend $25 you can save 5%, if you spend $50 you save 10% and if you spend $75 you save 15% off using code L8P8E4A at checkout.  Don't forget, if you spend $25 or more you also get Free Shipping but if you are a Barnes and Noble member you get Free Shipping on any order. 

Not a Diet, but a New Way of Life

Most of you know that I was diagnosed with PCOS while I was trying to conceive Rafi.  A part of PCOS is hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.  I am currently taking medication for the insulin resistance but I have not been eating like I should.  I decided to change that and also add exercise routines to my daily To Do list.  Earlier this week I tried Yoga Meltdown by Jillian Michaels.  It was AWESOME!!!  It was difficult but awesome.  I am still sore from the 30 minute workout!  We have BrightHouse Networks and it is FREE on Exercise TV on Demand.
I have been reading Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels, and starting in August I will be implementing some of her tips and her food choices to my diet.  In her book she mentions the eating changes she advices are very beneficial for people with Thyroid issues, PCOS, and many other health issues.
I will keep you updated on my progress and will share some recipes and menus as I get it all started.  This new eating habit will be very helpful for my hubby who has high triglycerides. I will soon be getting Master Your Metabolism Cookbook so I can do other recipes besides the ones in her Main Book.  If you see it somewhere at a good price let me know!!
Thanks and I will keep everyone updated.  This is necessary changes as we would like to have another baby and with PCOS it is difficult to conceive without some changes to my diet. 
Please pray for us!!

Build a Bear Workshop Sale - Thru August 5th

Go to Build a Bear Workshop near you and you can get any Animal + Any Outfit + Any Shoes for $29.99.  This is an awesome deal.  Most outfits are $15 or more and some animals are anywhere from $10 to $22.  But Hurry cause the sale ends August 5th.

Amazon : Melissa and Doug Toys Sale

I read in other blogs that a lot of the Melissa and Doug Toys are on Sale at Amazon.com.  They are also eligible for Free Shipping when you spend $25 or more.  Go check out the sale HERE.  They are high quality products!!
The sale is reported to be up to 70% off regular price.  Very Nice!! 

Happy Toy Shopping!! 

Freebies in my Mailbox - July 19th to 24th

This week I didn't get as many Freebies but I did get some good ones.

Monday : Scotch Brite Reusable Tote via rebate form; Armor All Rebate check; Que Rica Vida sampler which included Yoplait Coupon, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Sample, Nature Valley bar, and Bisquick Sample.

Tuesday : Nothing

Wednesday : Nothing

Thursday : Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner Sample; Free Bag from Parenting Magazine with renewal of subscription; Baby Talk Magazine; John Macarthru CD.

Friday : Bodycology Body Lotion from Walmart; Schick Hydro Rebate Check

Saturday : Nothing

What was in your mailbox this week? 

Pampers Gifts to Grow - New Code worth 50 Points

Here is the new code for Pampers Gifts to Grow


WELCOME2PAMPERS

 Thanks Couponing to Disney and Freebies 4 Mom

There is also a 10 Point Code - GTGTENMONTHCODE

If you have not signed up, then now is the time to do so.  New members get 50 Points plus there are always free codes online thru Facebook.  Get your Gifts to Grow account TODAY!!

Freebies in my Mailbox - July 12th to 17th

This week I had a few freebies.  Not many, but a few nice ones. 

• Monday : Propel Vitamin Water Beverage thru Facebook
• Tuesday : Pampers Kandoo Coupon $1 off; EOS Shave Cream Sample
• Wednesday : Nothing
• Thursday : Nature Made Fish Oil 2pk Sample
• Friday : Nothing
• Saturday : Pampers Coupons 

What was in your mailbox this week?  What was your favorite freebie this week?

Amazon.com Diapers

I received my Parenting Early Years Magazine and Parents Magazine earlier this week.  Each magazine had a coupon for 20% off a purchase of diapers thru Amazon.com.  I just went to order it and you can use the coupon on top of the Subscribe and Save discount.  The discount is currently 30% off for a limited time.  So, if you get the magazine in your mailbox then look for the Amazon.com coupon and be sure to use it prior to the expiration date of 8/31/2010.  I just got a box of Pampers Cruisers 124 count and paid under $20 shipped!!  I usually find these boxes not less than $35 at BJ's with a coupon.  I am hoping the coupon will be available again in the next issue.  We shall see!!