2014 Toddler New Year Resolutions

So this is officially my second new year that I'll be celebrating and this year I decided that I want to have new year resolutions as well. It's going to be called my 2014 Toddler New Year Resolutions! According to the dictionary a resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. Well what kind of resolutions can a toddler have you ask? We can have quite a lot if you ask me, but since no one is asking me I'm just going to tell you what mine are going to be.

Mommy Caught Santa!

I'm still visiting family in Canada. This is my 2nd official Christmas and last year he came and no-one even knew that he was there. I woke up that morning and there were my gifts under the tree just waiting for me. I got my picture taken with him last year and this year was no exception. I got another picture but this year I also got something extra.

This year mommy caught him and now I know that he's real and that he was there. Wanna know how I know? Mommy got a picture to prove it. Yeah, Santa thought he was sneaky but mommy was sneakier and caught him right in the act. Still not sure how he bypassed the alarms and there is no chimney for him to sneak in through. Mommy said it was the North Pole Magic that brought him there. I want some of that North Pole magic.

Squeak Squeak! Little Green Trike Shoe Company #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

I love shoes! I'm sure you know that by now. Mommy and I always say that you can never have too many shoes. When offered to review a shoe from the Little Green Trike Shoe Company how could I say no? Not only are the shoes adorable but they're made with little ones in mind. Notice that squeak squeak in the post title? That's exactly what these shoes do. They squeak with every footstep I make. That means that mommy is able to keep track of my every move and knows my whereabouts thanks to my brand new squeakers.

Merry Christmas 2013

It's Christmas and I just want to wish all Growing Up Madison readers a very lovely Christmas. I am visiting family in Canada and having a great time. It's good being the baby of the family. Blog posts will be very few until we get back from vacation but this is what it's all about. Being with family and friends and enjoying the Christmas festivities.

Tickety Toc The Unstoppable, Unpoppable Bubble #Giveaway

BRAND-NEW ‘TICKETY TOC’ DVD –
‘THE UNSTOPPABLE, UNPOPPABLE BUBBLE’ – BURSTS WITH BIG FUN FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Latest Release in DVD Series from Anchor Bay Entertainment Based on
Hit Nick Jr.^® TV Show “Clocks in” at Retail Nationwide – January 7, 2014

It’s time for another exciting adventure in Tickety Town with the DVD release of “The Unstoppable, Unpoppable Bubble”! The second brand-new Tickety Toc title from Anchor Bay Entertainment invites preschool fans coast-to-coast to “chime the time” along with comedic twins, Tommy and Tallulah, and all their adorable friends from the top-rated Nick Jr.^® TV series from Zodiak Rights. Featuring a half dozen episodes bursting with adventure – plus a free Tickety Toc paint booklet to further the fun – the newest Tickety Toc DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment is set to ”pop” at retail nationwide on January 7, 2014.

How To Give Your Mom A Meltdown (by Desmond Bowman)

We are still on the road but I have something special just for you. Today I have a guest blogger. You won't believe who it is! It's my future husband Des and he's here to give me tips on how to give mommy a meltdown. Now I thought I had it down but apparently Des and his big sister Scarlet puts me to shame. I'll let you read all about it. He actually got his mom to write for him just like my mom does for me, and she's such a doll. If you've never read her blog, Tamara Camera Blog, you need to. Well you should after you read what Des has to say.

Hey everyone, Des here. Madison is my good friend, and my mom really loves her mom, even though none of us have ever met. We're all looking to remedy that as soon as possible, and we like to believe that Madison will agree to marry me one day. Aren't I adorable?

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Bridge Street Toys #Review #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Once again this is going to be a Big Kids Review. My brother Mikael who most of my readers know is autistic. He has a severe speech disability but he's great with his hands. He loves to build things. He also enjoys computers and can do things on the computer that mommy can only dream of. When mommy was offered to review toys from Bridge Street Toys, mommy immediately thought of Mikael. He was the architect in the family. He was the one who loves puzzles and anything that challenges his mind. My big brother Kyle is a lot different. He's lazy and prefers to have things that are easy.

Toddler Packlist for Car Travel

It's our big day and we're traveling on the road. It's going to be a very long trip I can tell you. We are on our way to Canada! Can you believe that mommy thinks that a road trip with 4 kids (including me the toddler) would be fun? I'm telling you that mommy has surely lost it! She's gone cuckoo and not for cocoa puffs either. It's a 21 hour journey according to Google Maps and sure there will be fun stuff along the way but there will also be a lot whining too. Mostly from my brothers. I'm a big girl, I don't whine. Now mommy and I have decided to put together a checklist for other mommies and daddies who may lose it one day and decide to do what mommy is doing.

Now although mommy and I have a checklist for you, we also have a few tips as well. Since mommy and I will be traveling across the border, make sure that you have passports that are up to date and not expired. Passports should have a minimum of 6 months validity or you may be turned back at the border. Now that would be too bad and you don't want that to happen.

You may have a suitcase filled with clothes in your trunk but be sure to also have a diaper bag packed with extra clothing for not just your toddler but also pack something in there for yourself as well. Now on to our packing list.

Diapers: Make sure that you have enough diapers to last a few days. Anything can happen on your trip. We don't want anything to happen but you need to always be prepared. A 5 hour trip can suddenly turn into 10 hours because of accidents on the highway etc. Don't be that mommy with no diapers.

Wipes: If you're going to have diapers you are most definitely going to need wipes as well. The popular brands has wipes in travel packs that don't require you to take around a big bulky tub. Have one available in your diaper bag. 1 pack can last up to a week or more.

Food and Snacks: Sometimes you may be in the middle of nowhere with no restaurant in sight. Having a hungry toddler is not ideal. Make sure you walk with enough food/snacks that will last until you get to your first rest stop. Once there remember to stock up on extras.

Water: Keep water on hand not just for your little one but for you as well. It's winter but you can get dehydrated in the winter as well. A lot of people think because it's cold that they are ok. You need to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday whether it's summer or winter.

Toys: You are going to need something to occupy your toddler while traveling by car. Take along a few of their favorite toys. Alternate between toys so that they aren't bored. Books are also a great way to help pass the time as well. If you have bigger kids traveling with you, like mommy and I do, a few electronic toys including tablets is great for them too.

Hand Sanitizer: Sometimes water isn't always available to keep little hands clean so having a hand sanitizer is a great alternative.

First Aid Kit: Always have one on hand. Mommy keeps one in both cars in the event of an accident. Not necessarily a car accident but accidents do happen with little ones, frequently.

Camera: Now this is for both mommy and toddler. You want to capture all the moments so don't forget to walk with your camera.

Now have you ever taken a road trip before and what was on your packing list?

It's a Tiggly Shapes Christmas #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Mommy and I are huge fans of Tiggly Shapes so when Tiggly approached us to try out their brand new Christmas app how could we refuse. If you have no idea what Tiggly is you need to check out my review on the original Tiggly Shapes. Tiggly Shapes makes playing the iPad fun! The great thing about Tiggly Shapes is that while you're having fun you're also learning as well without even realizing it. Thanks to Tiggly Shapes I now know my basic shapes of triangle, square, star and circle and I'm not even two yet.

Andy Pandy Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers #Review #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

I have used numerous brands of disposable diapers. You name it and I probably have tried it. I have even used some of the other eco-friendly brands on the market as well including the one that has the name heaven in its name. I think that may have been the worse one yet. While others swear by them I ended up with a diaper rash and it leaked everywhere. Mommy is usually skeptical when it comes to new products, especially when it has to go on my body. With very sensitive skin we tend to stick with the brand that work for us. We were sent 2 packs of Andy Pandy Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers and our tune has changed. We still won't try every new product but this one has us believing that some products are actually too good to pass up.

Introducing the Lovely Ones #Review #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Ok so we admit we're not all about big companies. We do love our little companies as well. If you've never taken a look at the Etsy Stores you need to right now. Mommy and I love owls, that's no secret! Do you ever wonder what happens when we come across something super cute that features another animal? Like ... say, an elephant? A review for Lovely Ones Shop over on Etsy, that's what! When we were approached by the Lovely Ones owner Rhianna mommy didn't have to think twice about saying yes. Rhianna makes the most adorable plush elephants and don't you just love the name of her shop?Sure I loved owls, they are the absolute best but mommy says that I need to give all animals a chance. I'm so happy she did. Mommy does know best!

Meet the Adorable My Little Pony Equestria Girls #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

I love dolls and I love ponies. Big dolls, small dolls, it doesn't matter what kind of doll it is, give it to me and I will play with it. When I was offered the My Little Pony Equestria Doll to review mommy was a little hesitant because I had never seen the show before. It also was recommended for ages 5+. Mommy decided that with close supervision I would be able to play with her. Mommy remembers the My Little Pony Dolls that she watched back in her olden years. Remember mommy is very old! She used to watch the show and even had a pony whose hair she brushed. Now mommy is able to introduce a My Little Pony Doll to me. Other mommies who watched them as kids can also now introduce them to their own daughters as well. Mommy doesn't remember them looking this "cool" but mommy still thinks CD's are cool.

I received the My Little Pony Equestria Celestia Doll and Pony Set:

Celestia is a school principal and a pony princess. This Celestia Doll and Pony set includes a doll and a pony figure and you can pretend to send her through the magic mirror that connects the world of My Little Pony to Canterlot High. On the other side of the mirror, she's a doll. With your Celestia doll and pony figure, your friendship will stay magical no matter which side of the mirror you're on.

$24.99 - Recommended age: 5y+

Celestia comes with her own pony figure, purse, outfit, sun decoration and brush. The sun decoration can be inserted into the pony while the brush is used for her hair. Her outfit is so fashionable and I'm really loving her boots! She has the longest nicest hair I have ever seen. It is also very colorful, something that someone little like me cannot resist. I can tell you that is the best part of having Celestia. I so love brushing her hair and I can be seen brushing and brushing all day. I think that I have brushed it so much that it is almost all out.

Her clothes and shoes are removable and I found that out by actually pulling her shoes off. She now walks around shoeless since I can't find where I last put them.

Now I really love my doll but mommy limits my playtime with her since she does have small parts. I still love putting everything in my mouth and I mean everything! Even her hair has made it into my mouth. I wanted to taste it! If you have little ones like me you may want to keep a close eye on them as well. Celestia does have quite a few other friends and you can collect them all. The My Little Pony Equestria Girls gets my Two Tiny Thumbs Up!

About My Little Pony:

The Magical My Little Pony brand was introduced in 1983 and quickly became a favorite of millions of kids around the world. Hasbro re-introduced the popular whimsical franchise in 2003 and since then more than 100 million ponies have made their way into children's toy boxes globally, along with an extensive range of merchandise from playsets to backpacks.

You can purchase the My Little Pony Equestria Girls wherever toys are sold including but not limited to ToysRUs, Target, Walmart and Amazon.

You connect with My Little Pony via:

Disclosure: Growing Up Madison receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. Giveaways are not sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or any other social media site. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

My Little Pony Classic Movie Collection

THE MY LITTLE PONY FILMS

Princess Promenade, Runaway Rainbow,

Dancing In The Clouds, AND Friends Are Never Far Away,

ARE RETURNING TO DVD IN THE 2-DISC BOX SET

MY LITTLE PONY: CLASSIC MOVIE COLLECTION

IN STORES JANUARY 21, 2014!

The Christmas Owl - A Wonderful New Holiday Book‏

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

I love books! Do I need to say it again? I LOVE BOOKS! It doesn't matter what kind of book it is I'll read it. Or maybe I should say I give it to mommy so that it can be read to me. When approached to review the Christmas Owl written by Angela Muse, how could I refuse. Not only was this book perfect for the holidays but it had my favorite bird on the cover. My obsession with owls is infinite.

December 2013 Bluum 23 Month Old Box #Review

It's Bluum box time again and this month we got our box much earlier than usual. We've never gotten our box this quickly before. I'm assuming that Bluum wanted us to get it before Christmas which was nice of them. If you are interested in what we got last month, you can read all about what we got in our November 22 Month old box. Now if you've never heard of Bluum before, it is a monthly subscription service for babies ages newborn to 3 years of age and costs $24.95 a month. Not bad for a monthly surprise every month.

December 2013 Citrus Lane 23 Month Old Box

It's December the last month of the year and Citrus Lane pulled no stops in getting our box to us early. This was supposed to be posted yesterday but due to our upcoming trip mommy was not around much yesterday. What are the odds that both our Citrus Lane and Bluum boxes would show up on the exact same day as well. I'm not quite 23 months old as yet but Citrus Lane caters their boxes for the month. This is my 23 month old box and I'm so excited to be sharing this with you. For those who have never heard of Citrus Lane before, let me tell you all about it. Citrus Lane is a monthly box subscription service for newborns up to age 5. The boxes are also tailored to your child's age and you never know what you'll receive. It's like getting a surprise every month in the mail just for me. For those interested in reading what we got in our last box you can read all about our November Citrus Lane box.

Uber Mom Wipebox/Wipebox Mini #Giveaway

We are once again teaming up with Kelly from Coastal Kel to bring you another awesome giveaway. This one is great for all the moms and dads with little and big ones. If you have a diaper bag more than likely you are going to be carrying around wipes as well. Now, what better way than carrying them around in a designer Wipebox from Ubermom! You can read Kelly's Ubermom Wipebox Review for yourself.

Now I would never recommend a product that I haven't used or reviewed. I actually own of these pretty cases and I have to say that I love them. It came in my August 2013 Bluum Toddler Box and I've had it in my diaper bag since then. These can go practically anywhere with you. Keep them in your diaper bag, your glove compartment in your car, your gym bag, you name it.

The Wipebox and Wipebox Mini are available on Amazon.com and Diapers.com, but Ubermom has decided that one lucky winner will receive a total of 5 Wipebox/Wipebox Minis, in their choice of 13 different designs. Retail Value $35.00. All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Growing Up Madison received nothing for this post. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. Giveaways are not sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or any other social media site. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nickelodeon 2013 Holiday DVD RoundUp!

Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution help preschoolers and kids deck the halls, jingle the bells and get in to the Christmas spirit with three all-new DVDS – Bubble Guppies and Team Umizoomi: Into the Snow We Go!, Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Ice Skating Spectacular! and the SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s A SpongeBob Christmas! Blu-ray Combo Pack – as well as these familiar themed DVD titles, all available at retailers now!

ClickN KIDS Tablet #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Mommy has been wary of all the time that I spend lately watching TV. She doesn't like it but daddy thinks that the TV is a great babysitter. I don't mind it myself. Granted there isn't much that I do get to watch but I do more than normal whenever mommy isn't around. Even when I do get to watch TV with mommy there are only limited channels and shows that I am allowed to watch. Mommy believes that while TV is good in limited quantities that actual get up and go play is best. With technology taking over and kids getting into technology at younger ages mommy was elated when ClickN KIDS offered her a tablet to review. Now my bigger brother Mikael had reviewed a tablet he had gotten earlier so this one was going to be mine.

Bring on the Christmas #Movies

Christmas is almost here and this being my second Christmas I want it to be fun. I want it to be enjoyable and I also want to create memories with my family. One way to do that is to have movies that we watch every holiday. Every holiday deserves it's own movie and I'm here to share a few of them that I think should make your list this Christmas.

Meet the Innovative Spuni #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Mommy remembers when I first started learning to eat. She said it was always an adventure. Most of the food I ate ended up on the floor, on my face with some of it going into my mouth. We tried lots of different spoons. Expensive ones, not so expensive ones until mommy just gave up. Mommy wished she had heard of Spuni back then. When Spuni contacted mommy so that she can share this amazing spoon with the world, mommy said yes! Now you may be wondering, "what makes Spuni different from the other baby spoons on the market?" We received a set of Spuni spoons and I can say that there is certainly a big difference which we will tell you all about.

The First Years, Target and Snapfish Offer

In a few weeks I'll be reviewing the new Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor from The First Years. In the meantime, I wanted to share a special offer from The First Years, Target and Snapfish that makes this monitor a great holiday gift for new or expecting parents! Through Jan. 31, 2014, customers who purchase specially marked The First Years monitors (the new Talk & Soothe Digital Video Monitor, the Crisp & Clear Double or Single Audio Monitor) in-store at Target will receive a gift from Snapfish, including a FREE classic photo book or a discount off of their entire photo book order.

May The Force Be With You! Star Wars R2-D2 #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Daddy and my brothers are big fans of the Star Wars Franchise. They have seen all of the movies and my brother just loves dressing up as the bad guy Darth Vader. It's fun listening to Kyle say to Mikael, "Mikael I am your father!" in a funny Darth Vader voice. I can't help but laugh because they're so funny. I haven't seen any of the shows and I'm not sure if I would really understand what was happening either. I do know that if you're not a Star Wars fan then you may be missing out on something. That's what daddy says and my brothers agree with him. When Hammacher Schlemmer offered to send us a product for our Holiday Gift Guide, my brother automatically said R2-D2! I would have preferred something that I could use but that wasn't going to happen. Today my brother Kyle is taking over my blog because this is his review. It's another Big Kids review! He received the Voice Activated R2-D2 and he is over the moon.

Tickety Toc Musical Pufferty Train and Matching Game #Review #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

If you have little ones you more than likely have heard of Tickety Toc. The new hit show on Nick Jr. that features those adorable twins Tommy and Tallulah. Mommy and I have actually watched it a few times and I have to say that it is such a great show. A show that promotes both team work, social responsibility and problem solving in a fun and engaging way. The animation is totally delightful and I can sit there and watch it for hours but I never do. Mommy doesn't allow much TV time, no matter how much I think she should.

Gymboree: The Best Time To Be A Kid #Shopping #Review

Disclaimer: I was given a gift card to facilitate my shopping trip.

All opinions are my own.

I've said it once, maybe a hundred times that I LOVE Gymboree and their line of stores. My coming home from the hospital outfit was from Gymboree and looking through my baby photos and even on my blog, 99% of my outfits are from Gymboree. Wanna know why? Gymboree not only has some of the best designs that I've been privileged to wear. I also know that I can wear their items for a very long time without having to worry about them. Wash after wash and my clothes hold up. When Gymboree offered to send me shopping in their store to check out their new line I was jumping for joy. I has just recently come back from Gymboree the week before and highlighted my shopping trip via instagram. Here was another opportunity to go back. This was Christmas come early!

Bring Stories to Life With AniMates #Review

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

Every once in a while mommy and I happen upon a product that we just have to share with the world. I may not write a lot about religion on my blog but mommy and I do go to church and we do believe in God. I got my very first baby Bible when I was only a few months old and mommy and I read it very regularly. I love hearing the stories and I'm usually smiling after hearing them. When mommy found GoBible AniMates she couldn't help but become excited. Here was a product that was not only unique in the fact of what it did but what it represented. Now if you're uncomfortable with me sharing this with you I would suggest going to another post.

Stay Warm in Ella's Wool #Review #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

With the weather getting colder and colder it's time to dress warmer. When going out I am usually bundled and dressed in layers. I don't particularly like the cold and the warmer I am the better it is for not just me but mommy as well. I usually let my discomfort be known and mommy hates the whining. I don't mind it at all. Lately mommy and I have been looking at the Scandinavian line of clothing which we love. Not only are their designs unique but the quality is amazing. When mommy was offered to do a review and host a giveaway for Ella's Wool how could she say no? After all I did want to be warm and stay warm. Not only that but the owner Vibeke was a Brooklyn transplant. Mommy having just moved from Brooklyn herself felt a connection with Vibeke so when they started talking it was a given.

Protect Your Noggin With Krashco Helmets

Disclaimer: I was given the products in this post for the purpose of a review.

I was not paid in any way to write this review.

All opinions are my own.

When it comes to safety mommy doesn't play around. I'm not taken outdoors to ride my bike no matter how safe it is without a helmet. In every post that you see me highlighting a new ride on toy, I'm always wearing a helmet. We did a post about Helmet Safety that I want to refresh your memory with. We talked about how to choose the best helmet for your little one and also about fit. Did you know about the 2v1 rule? Make sure that there is 2 finger widths above the eyebrows. The straps should form a V under each ear. 1 finger should fit between the chin strap and your little one's chin. When Krash offered to send my big brother a helmet not only was he excited, but so was I. He needed a new one and these helmets were super cool! Way cooler than the one I normally wear. When it comes to helmet safety mommies and daddies want nothing but the best, but how about a little style as well? Krash provides both. Now you can show off a bit of personality while riding your bike, scooter or anything on wheels that recommends a helmet.

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