family – the MAD creative

5 WAYS WE USE THE DOCKATOT

Post author:Ashley
Post published:June 11, 2018
Post category:KIDS PLAY
Post comments:2 Comments

Most baby Mamas have heard of the DockATot. It was the most registered baby product in 2017 and pictures of kids enjoying their “docks” are scattered all over Instagram. After all, a product approved by so many Moms must be a winner, right? While pregnant with Guy, I became more and more intrigued of this seemingly magical infant sleeping tool known as the DockATot. But news to me: the DockATot wasn’t originally intended for a sleeping aid. It was designed as an alternative to the baby lounger, cot, or blanket– while also being more versatile and snug, mimicking the mother’s womb.

Seemed legit.

And since I wasn’t going to be able to hold Guy nonstop (unlike I pretty much did with the girls), I liked the idea of a comforting, secure spot for him to be around us. But a couple things had me questioning the necessity of the DockATot: the size and the cost.

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GUY STEVEN

Post author:Ashley
Post published:June 4, 2018
Post category:KIDS LOVE
Post comments:2 Comments

Oh hey. Still here. Just with one more kiddo added to our mix and I’ve been choosing to stare at him or sleep when I can over anything else. We’re a little late to this birth post since Guy is almost 3 months old, but I still wanted to get it up here! And having now loaded three kids in a car numerous times, I’ve come to terms with probably never being on time to anything… or hitting a deadline. Ever Again. We are all so in love with our baby “Guyguy,” so here he is in all his hairy glory:

Thursday, March 8th
5:48 AM
8 lbs 11 oz
21 in

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ESTES PARK 2017

Post author:Ashley
Post published:May 20, 2017
Post category:KIDS LEARN LIVE LOVE PLAY
Post comments:2 Comments

Last week we went to Estes Park– the first time flying with both girls– and it was beautiful. Exhausting, but oh so beautiful. The weather was a perfect high of 70 degrees, Leah only had 8 full-on tantrums– nothing makes Derek sweat more than a crying baby in the wilderness–, and the girls were both angels on the plane (thanks to endless snacks and iPad movies.) Compared to all past travels, I would have to say that I planned the very least for this little getaway. Perhaps because Derek took care of the hiking logistics/ rental car/ driving, or maybe just because I was already in the vacation, laid-back Colorado mindset and figured things would just unfold. And they totally did. Some of our favorite stops were planned, some were just by chance (cue bathroom emergency at a local coffee shop.) But whether or not things happened on purpose, I was so happy just being us four, showing the girls a new place, and having them remind us that the best world is outdoors. Here are a few of our favorite findings (and a whole lot of pictures) from our little trip:

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HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

Post author:Ashley
Post published:May 8, 2016
Post category:LOVE
Post comments:1 Comment

Happy Mothers’ Day to all you Mamas! There are many days when our role is beyond exhausting and we need to take a beat to lock ourselves in the pantry to sneak some sweet snacks for fuel. But on this day, I hope it was somewhat relaxing and you are reminded of all the joyful times from being a Mom. Now prepare yourself for some sappiness. That’s right. It’s my day and I’ll be sappy if I want to!…

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LEAH LYNN

Post author:Ashley
Post published:January 7, 2016
Post category:KIDS LOVE PLAY
Post comments:13 Comments

Get ready for picture overload, people! Since I’m having trouble formulating sentences on little sleep, I figured pictures could tell this story better than I could right now. Our little Leah Lynn finally decided to make her debut three days after her due date. I started having mild, regular contractions around midnight on the 27th. We had just gone to bed and I think I was in a state of disbelief/ denial, not wanting to jinx it if labor wasn’t really happening. But we took some deep breaths, gathered our bags, and were at the hospital by 2 AM. I had an epidural and they later broke my water. After that, it was game time. The midwife said I could basically laugh and the baby would pop out. So that’s what I did. Ok, not really. But with just a few pushes, Derek was scrubbed up and ready to catch our second daughter, Leah Lynn…

Sunday, December 27th
10:17 AM
8 lbs 12 oz
19 3/4 in

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OUR ITALIAN EASTER

Post author:Ashley
Post published:April 8, 2015
Post category:FOOD LOVE
Post comments:3 Comments

Sure hope you’re not sick of Easter-related posts quite yet. Because I have one more for you this year! We drove up to Omaha to spend the holiday weekend with my Grandparents. My Gramps is a full-blooded Italian and my Gram is half Italian, half Czech. (She wouldn’t want me to forget mentioning the Czech part!) They always have more than enough for us to eat– my favorite being their homemade meatballs, Italian sausage, and spaghetti; but I wanted to cook something for them. I found a recipe for Italian Easter Bread and it’s just too good not to share!

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