New Cotton On Kids Cuff Pants

The new cuff pants available from Cotton On Kids is are so perfect. Basic colors, stretchy waists, slight slouch, cuffed bottoms (for shorties like Parker). Perfect for active little boys. Happy shopping!

Cotton On Kids Cuff Pants by marychu featuring cuff pants

Cuff pants, $28 / drew pant | Cotton On / DREW CUFF PANT | Cotton On / zac ls shirt | Cotton On / zac ls shirt | Cotton On / michael ss tee | Cotton On

Victory! Getting My Toddler to Brush His Teeth

Victory is ours! I think we have finally figured out a how to get Parker to brush his teeth without biting me (he would bite me when I tried to use a finger brush to stop my from brushing his teeth). Three different toothbrushes (one, two and three), a fun pop up book about brushing his teeth and a couple of hours of scouring the internet for tips have resulted in something so simple that I'm kicking myself for taking so long to realize it. Make it a game. Make it fun. Thanks BabyCenter for the advice and for making me realize that we were not facing this issue alone.

Last night as we were going through our bedtime routine, I changed Parker's diaper and then I changed Monkey's diaper. I handed Parker a toothbrush for himself and one for Monkey. I showed him that Monkey was brushing his teeth and he thought it was so funny. Then he voluntarily started brushing his own teeth. Hallelujah! I think he may have even brushed a couple of his back teeth. Every child is different so this strategy may not work for everyone but Parker loves to copy us so I figured he would enjoy copying Monkey too. We'll keep working on this and hopefully one day brushing his teeth will not become such a production every night. If there are any Mamas out there going through this, I feel your pain. Literally. I have the bite marks to prove it.

[Brushing Monkey's teeth]

[Checking Monkey's diaper. This thoughtful little boy amazes me everyday.]

[Brushing his own teeth and smiling about it!]

San Diego: Parker's First Visit to World Famous San Diego Zoo

Last Friday, we decided to be spontaneous and took Parker to the San Diego Zoo after dinner. For those that don't know, the zoo stays open until 9 PM during the summer. The extended hours let you see all the nocturnal animals in action, is much cooler and a lot less crowded. They also have a performance of strange people dressed as Australian critters going on for Koalafornia. I renewed our family annual membership ($104 for two adults/kids are free until they turn 3) and off we were to explore. 

Our first stop was at the flamingos and ducks. Of course we saw the ducks! Parker was really excited and kept saying "quack quack". After watching the ducks and dining on chicken strips, we made our way down to the koalas. It's been a little while since I've been to the zoo and the Outback addition was a happy surprise. The koalas were settling down for the night and Parker kept telling us to "shush" because they were sleeping. He loved the wallabies jumping around the koala enclosure. After the koalas we strolled over to Elephant Odyssey. At first he was scared but he warmed up to the elephants and had fun trying to mimic the elephant sounds. On our way out of the zoo, we saw camels and gazelles settling down for the night. The tasmanian devil was running around like it had just taken a double shot of espresso. The peacocks were squawking very loudly in the tree by the exit. It was pretty perfect. I can't wait to go again.  

*Note that the children's zoo closes at 7:30 PM. 

[I'm pretty sure I have a photo in front of the elephant bush from when I was a kid.]

Parker's outfit

Jacket: Old Navy

Shirt: Sly Fox Threads

Sweats: Gap

[So excited to see ducks]

[Mama duck and baby duck]

[Chowing down on chicken strips and ranch dip. He loved the souvenir cup.]

[Koalafornia performance. So weird but Parker liked it.]

[Blurry photo of Parker telling us to shush because the animals are sleeping]

[Daddy & Parker checking out the koalas]

Progress Pic - Week 1 & Week 4

I'm officially 1/3 of the way through Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide and it's time to face the music. How much progress have I made in the last month? The proof is in the photos. There is still a lot of work to be done but I'm proud of myself for the progress I've made over the last month. My arms are slimming down, the belly fat is starting to shrink and my legs are feeling really strong. Another great perk has been that my skin is clearing up. I'm really glad I'm finally doing this for myself. There's hope, Mamas! There is hope even if you've had your abdominal wall cut open during a c section, even if you work full time, even if you have a toddler. It's possible to get your pre-baby body back as long as you put in the work. Thanks to Kayla and her community of followers on Instagram for being so supportive and inspirational over the last month.

To follow along with my fitness journey, check out my Instagram @sdmama33.

Crazy Hair Don't Care

Rocking this onesie with pride today. 

[Check out his awesome tan lines.]

Conversations with My Husband: African Rhythm Dancing

Yesterday on the way home from dinner.

Tuan: Don't forget to pay Co 4 (Tuan's aunt that watches Parker) tomorrow
Me: Okay I'll swing by the bank on our way over tomorrow morning. Do you have a ten?
Tuan: No but I have a $5
Me: Cool I'll take your $5. I think I have a $5 in my wallet.
Tuan: You're going to have to dance for it
Me: Haha ok. Like what? African rhythm dance?!
Tuan: *eyes go big* Yes.
Me: *silent*
Tuan: I bet you didn't think I would agree to that huh? You better YouTube it.

FML. Why did I have to open my big mouth? What possessed me to throw out African rhythm dance? Ahhh it's no joke. It is an art and I am going to do a terrible job replicating any of these moves.

Outdoor Voices Active Apparel

I would be so happy if I looked even 1/10 as cool as these models in my workout clothes. I'm seriously crushing on the Spotted Sweats from Outdoor Voices but I promised myself I would not get any new workout clothes until I go down a size. Click the link to check out the rest of their active apparel line. It's gorgeous!

In other workout news, I am currently re-doing week 4 of the Kayla Itsines BBG because last week was such a bust. Friends visiting from out of town, a holiday and my SIL moving in was hard on the waistline. I'm back at it this week though! Stay healthy, Mamas. If you want to follow my mommy makeover journey, follow me on Instagram @sdmama33

P.S. Four mountain climbers + a push up x 15 is the most evil thing ever.

[Spotted Sweats & Racer Back Tank Top]

[Warm Up Leggings & Catch Me If You Can Hoodie]

[Crop Leggings & Lavender Crop Top]