Discovery Toys

I've decided to take a giant leap. I'm seeking a new adventure. I've decided to start a business from my home. Wow!

When I graduated college 5 years ago, I wasn't even considering starting my own business. It seemed too big. Even a year ago it seemed too big.

But now as a stay-at-home mommy and wife, I find that I'd like to do something besides cooking (which I've really grown to like), cleaning (which I still dislike) and changing diapers. I want to utilize my organizational skills. I want to contribute to our family's income without paying for childcare. But mainly I want to do something that excites me.

When I was growing up, my mom held toy parties and earned free toys through the process. (We received LOTS of Christmas and birthday gifts from Discovery Toys, as the result.)

When I was visiting my parents recently, Mom pulled out some of our old Discovery Toys and they are still in incredible condition. We washed them in soapy water and I now have two of these toys in Luke's diaper bag and receive lots of compliments on them!

It got me wondering. Does Discovery Toys still exist? (Yes.) If so, are there consultants in Madison? (Not that I found.)

 

I decided to look into becoming a consultant and discovered during that process that I really believe in their products. They focus on learning through play and supply super creative and educational toys.

Today I took the final step and made a phone call, which turned in to many phone calls, got some of my questions answered, and finally ordered my starter kit.

I think it will be a lot of work, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge. And if nothing else, I'll have some amazing toys for my little guy to play and learn with.

Contact me if you're interested in learning more. But keep in mind that here in the beginning, I'll be learning more, too!

Here goes nothing! Wish me luck.

Here is the a rattle/busy box toy from when my sister (who is now 24) was a baby!

It's one of Luke's favorite toys on the go.

 

Back Home Again In Indiana

Earlier this month, Luke, Briggs (our pup) and I trekked across the Midwest and travelled from Wisconsin to my hometown of Berne, Indiana for a nearly two week visit with my family while Nick stayed in Madison and worked tons of overtime. Travelling with a baby (who is still nursing) and a dog (who gets carsick) is not the most pleasant ride in the world, but we made the adventure and landed up at my parents' house in just over 7 hours.

While there we were able to visit with my family, Nick's folks, Great-Grandma Able, Aunt Renee and friends from my high school days.

Leanne, my sister, is planning her November wedding and I really enjoyed joining her at the caterer and stuffing her invitations. I successfully was able to purchase a bridesmaid dress; thank goodness for David's Bridal! My post-baby body wasn't sure how it would ever fit into a dress and look good, but I think we succeeded. We can check that "to do" off our list.

Now we're back in Madison and have finally finished the unpacking/laundry/resettling process. Luke misses seeing so many other adults who love on him, but he was so excited to see Nick. That was a really great reunion to watch. (Though, I don't remember Nick ever racing to see me in the car the way he ran to greet his son.)

We're glad to be back home.

Here are some pictures from our trip in Indiana.

So tired! Fell asleep in Grandma Keller's arms before our trip to Ft. Wayne

 

 

Playing with new friend, Lena

 

 

Luke discovered his tongue while in Indiana. He chewed on it the whole trip!

 

 

 

Teething Baby

At our house the last several days, Luke has been particularly uncomfortable. I've decided to blame it on teething! He's 6 months old (tomorrow!) and has yet to get a tooth, so I feel like I'm allowed to blame his not-so-happy attitude on teething. Nick and I expect that one of these days we'll see a little white pearl in our little man's mouth. In the meantime, we're offering hugs and kisses (and Tylenol) to our baby in pain.

Tonight, however, we had a five minute break and caught a happy, laughing baby. Here's my first attempt at uploading a video from our new camcorder.

Baby Food

Mr. Luke is now over 5 months old! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. He's a happy baby (most of the time) and is happiest when left kicking around on a blanket with a toy or two. He talks to himself often, and Nick and I have a blast translating what he is saying.

The biggest new change in the life of Luke is that he now eats solid foods - and loves them! After receiving a Baby Bullet from my Aunt Renee as a baby gift, I decided to try making my own baby food. I quickly found that I loved this new project! It brings me comfort to know exactly what is going into my baby's mouth. I know he is getting the freshest, healthiest food available.

This summer, Nick and I joined a local CSA and receive fresh produce weekly. I didn't expect to use a lot of the organic, locally grown vegetables to make baby food! What a pleasant surprise.

So far I've made: avocado, peaches, pears, peas, green beans, summer squash, zucchini, rice cereal, carrots, bananas and sweet potatoes!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my big boy.

Luke's breakfast today? Prunes and applesauce.

Luke eating his first "finger food", a rice cracker.

A New Blog

After adamantly saying I'd never start a blog, here I am! With no blogging experience, I've decided to give the blogging thing a try. I hope to update regularly, but I've no doubt that life will interfere and delay posts. I'll do my best!

In February 2012, my husband, Nick, and I embarked on a new adventure in life. We became parents. God has blessed us with a miracle, a son. I praise Him for our baby each day. I still cannot believe that we have been entrusted with such a beautiful baby boy.

The baby book I've started is lovely. However, rarely taken out of it's precious box, I fear I will forget the moments I'm determined to tell my son all about when he's grown. I plan to use this blog as a tool to document my son's greatest achievements, the funny moments, my learnings along the way and, of course, lots of pictures!

Introducing our "Leapling" - Luke Andrew Moser (taken on his birthday 2/29/12)