Grandmas LOVE Mother’s Day!

… especially when they get crafty hats from their special granddaughter!

Every time my daughter comes home from preschool, she has the project of the day in hand. As much as I want to save all these precious little artwork of hers, I just don’t have the wall space to display them, nor the room to store them. But guess who loves all these great crafts? Grandmas!!

Miranda (wearing a dress from le•top’s Daisy Dots collection) made both her grandmothers these paper hats at school. Perfect Mother’s Day presents that make a grandmother proud to show off to her friends. (I seriously think my mother-in-law is wearing her hat at work right now. Don’t blame us, Corporate America, if Casual Fridays evolve to wearing paper hats with silk flowers stapeled on them.) 🙂

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Fashion and Hope in Stowe Vermont

Lucy and Monelle in le•top's Strawberry Fields collection preparing for the runway

I was so surprised to hear from J. at Yellow Turtle the other day. I mean, not only was it a Sunday, but it was Mother’s Day! J. has two gorgeous, wonderful children, Jessie and Alec, who (along with Liana Hunt) were the very early le•top child “models”, so I know they were all celebrating together. But J. was thinking beyond Mother’s Day and sending me emails about the wonderful event Yellow Turtle had taken part: the 9th Annual Stowe Weekend of Hope. This event, held in Stowe, Vermont “is an annual forum for education, enlightenment, and recreation for cancer patients and survivors with any type of cancer…and their families.”

One of the events was a fashion show, and Yellow Turtle had two adorable girls modeling le•top! Lucy (3) and Monelle (19mos) are both devoted Yellow Turtle customers. 😉 The outfits they modeled were received with many “oooohs and ahhhhhs”, according to J.! Sounds like the fashion show was an enormous success and a wonderful event for cancer patients and survivors, taking place in beautiful and restorative Stowe. As a cancer survivor myself, I can see why this event would be a joyful and hope-filled experience, given the venue. Stowe is a wonderful place, the people welcoming and warm. I hope this event continues to grow and inspire many. Congratulations, Yellow Turtle for contributing to this great event and giving back to your community and beyond.

Lucy and Monelle off the fashion runway with Lisa Hunt of Yellow Turtle

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My Baby is Growing Up

We had a milestone weekend. We sold our daughter’s crib. I didn’t really think it would be that big of a deal but when I got off the phone with the buyer, I suddenly realized that our lives were changing. I felt a little sad that her baby years were officially gone. The craigslist buyer came by on Sunday (yes, Mother’s Day) to pick up the crib.  I hadn’t even dismantled it yet since we let her sleep in it one last night. It was a frenzy to get it taken apart, and Lilah watched somewhat bewildered as her crib was hauled out the door and loaded into someone else’s car. I assured her that she was now a big girl and could sleep in a regular bed. We told her that her new bed was on the way.

Lilah's last night in her crib, and her first night in a big-girl bed...

Not ten minutes later my parents showed up with the new bed. We went over every detail of it with her and explained that it was special, just for her. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to sleep in it for about a week since we still have to stain and seal it. While we worked on it during the day Lilah played in the built-in toy box. It will be a big hit once it’s all done.

We temporarily moved a twin bed into her room and put all the pretty bedding on. When I went to put her down for a nap, I realized that if she wanted to just get out of bed, she could. Of course, she did! She ended up falling asleep next to grandpa watching a show on Sprout. At bedtime I had to spend much more time that usual reading and making her comfortable so she didn’t just get out of bed. She fell asleep after about 10 times of reading our usual book. One time during the night she awoke feeling a bit out of sorts, but I was able to snuggle up to her and get her back to sleep. A pillow then took my place, and she blissfully slept through the rest of the night. I can’t wait until we get the 6am wake-up from her on the weekend with her staring at us wondering why we’re not up. Like I said, life is changing! I can’t believe she’s 28 months already.

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le•top Takes: Happy Mother’s Day!

No, I did NOT say that!

When I grow up…

I think I want to be a mommy because you don’t have a boss. You just listen to your heart.”

– Katelynn, age 4

le•top Wishes Everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!!!

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Our Winner of le•top’s Mother’s Day Presents Contest: Jen G.

This entry made us laugh and cry all at once. Thank you for submitting your wonderfully heartwarming and funny story! Look for an email in your inbox!

As told by our winner, Jen G.:

A hand-colored heart, to which the first pack of gum was taped...

A couple of years ago, my then-5-year-old daughter asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day.  Since money was tight, our house was a mess (in part because we had too many “things” already), and I honestly couldn’t think of anything I needed or wanted anyway, I just asked that she and her brothers make something for me.  Pre-school was always great about helping the Kids make gifts, and I treasure all of the holiday items they’ve made through the years.  Apparently my Kids were more observant than I gave them credit for because, when I arrived at daycare to pick them up one afternoon, I noticed a big poster board on which the teachers had written responses to “What does your Mommy want for Mother’s Day?”  There were nearly 20 responses, each one-upping the last:  “Dinner; Dinner in a restaurant; Dinner and a Show; Spa Day; Weekend in Tahoe; Earrings; Diamond Earrings; Hearts on Fire Diamonds; A Convertible.”  Then I saw my Kids’ entry:  “Gum”.  It was perfect, not only for the should’ve-been-embarrassed-but-was-actually-quite-proud grin I couldn’t get off my face the rest of the day, but because I really do love gum.  Flowers are temporary, fashion is fleeting, but gum has the shelf-life of Twinkies, which means it’ll be around forever.  When I no longer have the teeth to chew it, I’ll still have a big, silly grin on my face every time I find a pack of gum tucked away on a shelf in my closet, next to the half-painted jewelry box from 2008, the scented homemade bath salts from 2004, and the small, multi-colored, possibly ceramic blob from 2003.  Maybe this year I’ll get cinnamon.

...on the back side, Anna (5) signed her name and Freddy's (3), and my husband traced Jeffrey's (1) hand.

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MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST: Most “Memorable” Present

Jamee’s post of her very first Mother’s Day bling-of-gynormous-gems-present made us want to hear your stories! le•top blog would LOVE to see photos and hear about your own stories of the most creative, special, funny or otherwise memorable Mother’s Day present. Click here to submit your photo and story for a chance at some fun retail therapy: Win $250 worth (retail value) of le•top baby and kids clothes from our latest spring and summer collections!

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Mother’s Day Presents Contest: Win $250 Worth of le•top Baby and Children’s Clothes

Breakfast in bed starts a day full of gifts on Mother's Day... 😉

I laughed reading Jamee’s post about her very first Mother’s Day present from her then three year old daughter. Given that Jamee’s a fabulous graphic designer (one of her many talents), I understood why her husband awaited her reaction with some trepidation — but mom’s love transcends even some of the tackiest style disasters! 😉

Jamee’s story made us want to hear your stories! le•top blog would LOVE to see photos and hear about your own stories of the most creative, special, funny Mother’s Day presents that you’ve received through the years. Please click here to submit your photos and stories for a chance to go on a $250 virtual shopping spree: Win $250 worth (retail value) of our beautiful le•top baby and kids clothes!

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Mother’s Day Presents

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’d have to say, ever since my daughter was old enough to make crafts, I have been looking forward to this special day. Last year was the first year it started. She was three years old and in her first year of preschool. I didn’t even think about Mother’s Day being for me, until she handed me her wrapped present (wrapped, meaning a white lunch bag with marker doodles – precious!). I excitedly opened the gift and found the tackiest brooch… A puzzle piece glued with gynormous gems! My husband looked at me with uncertainty, checking to see what my reaction would be.

I loved it! I immediately pinned it on and wore it with pride. My daughter said, “We’re going to have to share that because it’s too beautiful. I want to wear it, too.” I can’t wait for what she is making this year at preschool. Whatever it is, I will cherish it forever!

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