Fwd: Eden's garden order link $36.86

Sent from my iPhone.  Please excuse the typos. 

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lilliana Gonzalez <Lilliana.Gonzalez@saws.org>
Date: November 28, 2016 at 5:18:38 PM CST
To: Lilliana Gonzalez <lilli29@icloud.com>
Cc: Lilliana Gonzalez <Lilliana.Gonzalez@saws.org>
Subject: Eden's garden order link $36.86

https://www.edensgarden.com/3808537/checkouts/8de8d277c90f99986f385fb061710824?_ga=1.188836075.1581334398.1480364612&sid=191b59cd9bf09c88a1c38d8f2f05a59e

 

Lilliana Gonzalez

Communication Specialist

Office: 210-233-3247

Cell: 210-601-3263

Lilliana.Gonzalez@SAWS.org

 

Photoshoot

Photoshoot by lilliana-gonzalez featuring g by guess boots

Dress
jcpenney.com

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macys.com

'Montaza' Sport Shirt
nordstrom.com

Disney Infant Toddler Girls' Topsy Dress Green
target.com

Disney Infant Toddler Girls' Wonder Dress Pink
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Disney Princess Songs now in Spanish

Do all little girls want to be princesses at some point and time? Mine seems to enjoy princess play and we decided to make it a girls' day out. Two other girlfriends and their daughters joined us for a Princess Listening Party at our home where we played games, ate cupcakes, and listened to the new Canciones de las Princesas (songs from Disney princess movies now available in Spanish) that include titles from Ariel, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Tangled, Snow White, Mulan and others.

It was so much fun for the girls who all chose to wear their princess dresses or theme dresses to the party not because it was requested but because they all preferred it.  Hilarious!  After we sang, played, and ate we headed out to watch Disney’s Dream on Ice. 

Here are the three girls at the intermission giggling and giddy.

Don't miss out on the fun!  Enter to win your own copy of Cancioness de las Princesas.  And if you can't wait to win (odd are good if you enter) they are on sale now at local retail stores, Amazon and iTunes

See the second part of this post for a summary in Spanish: http://mytottravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/canciones-de-las-princesas-songs-of.html 

¿En español?  ¿Más detalles? Vea la segunda parte de esta entrada: http://mytottravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/canciones-de-las-princesas-songs-of.html.

Canciones de las Princesas (Songs of the Princesses) Giveaway

I have a four year old little girl and without fail she is a princess fan.  She is not too hardcore.  We don’t have to leave the house wearing tutus or tiaras but she loves her Disney princesses.  This little gal is also bilingual and one of my favorite learning tools with her is watching the Disney movies in Spanish with her so when I was approached about the release of Canciones de las Princesas (Songs of the Princesses) I was over the moon.  Could I really have the best of both worlds?  Yes!!!

Yesterday when I got home the CD was waiting for me and we proceeded to pop it in and listen.  She sang along and danced to every song.  TWICE!!!  Some she recognized others she didn’t but still stammered the words trying to learn them.  The timing is also spectacular because tomorrow we will be attending the Disney Princesses on Ice show and then in a week or so we’ll invite 4 or 5 of her friends and their mommies to attend Una Fiesta de Princesas (A Princess Party) where we will listen to the CD, eat cookies, do some crafts, play some games and learn (or practice) a little Spanish.   Stay tuned for the party post but in the meantime please enter to win your very own copy of the CD.  Lots of favorites and good variety in songs included.

On sale now at local retail stores, Amazon and iTunes  

Tengo mi propia princesa de cuatro años y como es de esperarse le encanta el mundo de Disney y todas sus princesas.  No es extremado su gusto pero no deja de ver las películas y aprenderse las canciones así que cuando llegue a casa ayer me dio mucho gusto ver que ya había llegado el CD de Canciones de las Princesas que me pidieron que escuchara para escribir una critica.  Mi hija por supuesto también es bilingüe… tratamos de ensenarle español y ver películas de Disney y escuchar canciones en español con ella es una de mis maneras favoritas de practicar su segundo idioma.  Que material tan perfecto… el mundo de Disney y las canciones de sus princesas justo para mi princesa.  Canciones de las Princesas se centra en las heroínas más queridas de Disney, con versiones en español de canciones clásicas provenientes de películas mágicas, tales como Enredados, La Princesa y el Sapo, La Bella y La Bestia, La Sirenita y muchas más. Esta encantadora colección presenta diversos éxitos interpretados por talento mexicano, entre ellos "Cuándo Empezaré a Vivir," por la cantante/actriz Danna Paola ("When Will My Life Begin" de “Enredados”); "Un Mundo Ideal," por Analy y Demian Bichir, recientemente nominado al Oscar® como Mejor Actor ("A Whole New World," de “Aladdin”); y "Colores en el Viento," por Susana Zavaleta ("Colors of the Wind," de “Pocahontas”).

Tan pronto abrí el CD lo pusimos a tocar y lo escucho todo bailando y cantando con todas las canciones DOS veces.  Algunas canciones ya se las sabia y otras fueron nuevas para ella porque todavía no vemos esas películas pero todas le encantaron y trato de cantar hasta las que no se sabía. Adicionalmente, este proyecto llega justo a tiempo ya que mañana vamos a ver Las Princesas Sobre Hielo.  Después dentro una semana vamos a invitar a 4 o 5 de sus amigitas y a sus mamis para que vengan a una Fiesta de de Princesa a escuchar el CD, comer galletas, jugar y practicar su español.  No se pierdan la próxima entrada del blog ya que pondre las fotos y les platicare como nos fue.  Por mientras por favor participen en el concurso para ganarse su propia copia.  Y si no pueden esperar ya esta a la venta en tiendas locales,  iTunes  y Amazon.

UPDATE- The Lion of Judah Blu-ray 3D/DVD Giveaway

AND THE WINNER IS: David D. (whose tweet about the contest entry #26 was picked by Rafflecopter using Random.org). Congratulations!!!  Please respond to the email so the prize can be shipped to you. 

What perfect timing!! With Easter around the corner and lots of holiday travel I couldn't think of a better way to entertain the whole family while traveling during this season. This animated film helps us stay on theme and help our children understand the story of Easter. More importantly this movie has outstanding materials that you can download such as a study guide, quiz cards, a coloring book, character images, and more HERE. The Blu-Ray, 3D/DVD is available on 3/27 but one lucky reader who enters the contest using the RaffelCopter form below will get a copy as the prize.

Winner of the Best Animated Film award at the Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan (March 2011), The Lion of Judah tells the story that changed the world. When Judah the Lamb is taken by the townspeople to become a sacrifice, his six new friends from a Bethlehem stable must go to his rescue! An incredible adventure follows, full of danger, drama, friendship and heroics. The Lion of Judah is 5-Star Dove Approved for the whole family and all ages.

Here is a little clip from the film:

“The Lion of Judah” movie is accompanied with a 21 track (10 songs, 11 underscores) ROARING Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring well-known artist such as: Kari Jobe, Klaus, Lindell Cooley, Eddie James, introducing Colby Osborn and more, including original underscores from Award-Winning Composer, Greg Sims. Produced by: Greg Sims, Co-Producer: Adam Carpenter. You can download “The Lion of Judah Soundtrack” on iTunes!

Movie Synopis: A laugh-filled, heartwarming animated tale, "The Lion of Judah" is an Easter classic inspiration for the whole family. Join Judah and The Stable-Mates as they embark on a ROARING adventure towards freedom! This daring quest intertwines humor and troublesome situations, while delivering foundational messages with gentleness and breath-taking beauty. For Judah, a lamb with the heart of a lion, it is a story of courage that will lead you to the pivotal voyage of hope, and will leave you in awe of the power that one lamb can command. "The Lion of Judah" is rated PG.

New Life Shoes

New Life Shoes

Most of you know that I was recently pregnant.  Our baby girl is about to turn 6 months old so it wasn’t that long ago that I was struggling with all the changes of pregnancy especially the swollen feet in the last months.  Imagine how happy I was when I was invited to participate in the launch of New Life shoes for expecting moms.  I may not be having any more children but I know it was about time someone thought about the changing needs of expecting women when it comes to footwear.

Not surprising, the New Life footwear concept was born at an OB’s office and with the help of a very experienced team and several years of designing, refining, and testing the shoes are now ready for customers.  During the launch the team responsible for these ingenious shoes spoke to media and a group of “mom” bloggers. 

We were able to try a pair on while we felt how all that technology they were describing made for a very comfortable fit.  Here is a little excerpt on that technology from their website:

New Life Shoes feature our one-of-a-kind Z-Fit System (patent pending). There are no laces to tie or re-tie, just a single strap that allows New Life wearers to tighten or loosen the entire shoe with one hand.

The Z-Fit strap is strategically located on the inside of the foot so it’s easy to reach. You’ll never again have to stoop or bend to tie your shoes. Thanks to the Z-Fit System, your New Life Shoes go on easy and stay fit the way you see fit.

Not only easy-on, New Life Shoes are easy on your feet. Our special 5-Layer Cushioning System cradles your foot while providing breathable, moisture-free support. We’ve also included a removable Cushioning Spacer to help create more space and a customized fit for each foot.  All of this technology adds up to a faster fasten, a custom fit and comfier shoe all the way around.

Personally I loved the fit and the overall comfort and would have KILLED for these shoes just seven months ago when I had to live in sandals because they were the only thing that fit at nine months along. I also am happy that the price point is reasonable and that unlike many maternity items that have a limited life span these shoes have use well beyond the last trimester of pregnancy.  Since they are so adjustable you can use them even AFTER your pregnancy is done.

New Life gave the bloggers present at the launch a pair for us.  This said, I have a coworker who is expecting and as much as I liked my sample shoes I knew she would LOVE them even more so I gifted my pair to her.  She is expecting her third child and therefore already does her share of running around after her other two very active pre-school and school aged children… if anyone needs a pair of comfy athletic shoes it’s her.   She wore them the whole day at work and said she has worn them at home and on the weekends while they run around with all her other kids’ activities and reports that they are a comfortable fit. 

So now for the fun part!  New Life Shoes would like to share the “love” so they have very generously allowed me to giveaway a pair in the size and color of the winner’s choice.  If you are expecting, trust me, you want these shoes.  Easy to put on, to adjust, and very comfortable it’s almost everything an expecting mom wants… if only they could also give your feet a massage. J 

Also the first 10 My Tot Travels blog readers to purchase the shoes can get 20% off  with coupon code 1uvqcpyam5z1 on thier web store:  http://www.newlifeshoes.com/product/2/a100.aspx

See the Raffle Copter entry form below and follow the instructions to enter.  Winner will be announced Feb. 15, 2012. Shoes will be available to ship around Feb. 24, 2012. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LADY AND THE TRAMP Giveaway

I love a classic and what better way to celebrate Valentine ’s Day with your little ones than with Disney’s Lady and The Tramp.   I also get doubly enthused by materials that are dual language and on February  7, 2012 Disney will be letting this classic out of the vault (and the US version includes a Spanish soundtrack) so I will be able to watch with my daughter a movie she already loves in either English or SPANISH!!! 

LADY AND THE TRAMP is the classic tale of how Lady, a golden cocker spaniel, falls for a mongrel dog named Tramp from the other side of town. The film is finally being released for the first time on hi-definition Blu-ray for families this Valentine’s Day!   LADY AND THE TRAMP: DIAMOND EDITION on Blu-ray and DVD combo pack will be available for a limited time only.

Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studios’ most prestigious and treasured animated classics. Diamond Edition titles boast the highest level of picture and sound;  feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content; and include unprecedented levels  of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

To date, the company has released four Diamond Edition titles – Snow White and the Seven

Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, Bambi and The Lion King.

I have been sent a copy for review and will be giving a copy away to one lucky winner.  I must admit that this is already a family favorite and that my oldest daughter (almost four) pulls this out of the drawer frequently.  After the giveaway I will post a review of the new Diamond Edition.  In the interim I hope you all enjoy the Spanish activities in the widget below.

We are raising bilingual girls and therefore look for any opportunity to expose them to the Spanish language. With our oldest we regularly watch movies (mostly Disney or PBS shows) in Spanish and I actively seek out computer games, books, etc. also in Spanish.  This way I can play with her or she can also play with her abuelitos and everyone feels included in the fun.

Please enter the contest below and let your friends know.  Winner will be announced on 2/7/2012.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I heart Minnie DVD Release & Giveaway

With an almost four year old daughter at home who does not attend pre-school yet I can’t tell you how much we love the Disney Channel and especially the Mickey Mouse Club House. So when I heard that they were releasing a new "I heart Minnie" DVD on February 7, 2012 that includes a digital copy (so we can watch on the iPhone, tablets, etc.) I was ecstatic!


Of course this new DVD is just in time for Valentine’s Day but also just in time for our daughter’s 4th birthday (maybe we’ll show it at the party) and since it includes five, fun-filled episodes - each underlining the themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving – and an all new bonus feature “You’re Invited to Minnie’s Birthday Party,”; it’s a perfect fit! Even better... this DVD is also in Spanish so for those of you trying to teach Spanish to your kiddos you can always select the language and get two great DVDs in one.

To celebrate I am running a promotion on this blog and one lucky reader will win a copy for themselves. To enter follow the simple directions below and I will use Random.org to choose a winner on the 7th. Winner’s name will be posted at the end of the blog in an update post before midnight on 2/7. In the mean time here are some activities to help celebrate the release.
Poster

Activity Sheet

Project 52

Please visit my : City Brights Blog for all the details and the latests posts .

I'd love for all of you doing this project to comment leaving a link to your blog. If you link to my blog I will happily link to yours every week.

So far there are two posts: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/mytottravels/2012/01/project-521-a-daily-epiphany/  

and

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/mytottravels/2012/01/project-522-evolving/ .

Remember that it's NEVER too late to join so grab your camera or phone and start clicking.

 

 

 

Shop Sale at The Land of Nod.

Insufficient...

Low milk supply, mastitis, working full-time, pumping...Breast is best but sometimes even our best efforts don't yield enough.

Somedays I have to remind myself that some milk is better than none and that I need to let go of the frustration and embrace the moments I'll have with this little one while she's a newborn.

Only comfort is knowing I'm not alone with the struggle. :-)

Review- JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES

A few days ago we got a copy of the FIRST MUSIC SOUNDTRACK & DVD of Disney’s #1 series: "JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: Yo Ho, Mateys Away!"". After watching the whole DVD (which contains all the episodes currently showing on Disney Channel) my 3 year old daughter decided that we also needed to listen to the CD so I set it up while she ran to her room to put on her pirate dress-up (a hat and an eye patch) so she could sing and dance along with the songs. Needless to say she LOVES both. She is already a fan of the show and we have watched almost all of these episodes... but being 3 she is a creature of habit and repetition so having a DVD she can play as many times as she likes when she likes made her extremely happy. The DVD contains seven episodes from the series which include two cartoons each.

The Album released on SEPTEMBER 20 and the DVD is set for release on SEPTEMBER 27. In a nutshell, we highly recommend this DVD/CD combo pack. Kids love the songs and visuals while parents can really love the story lines that provide teachable moments on everything from sharing to playing fair.

According to Disney, Jake and the Never Land Pirates is cable's #1 series among Boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel's #1 preschool series ever. It is the most co-viewed series among all Disney Junior and Nickelodeon series, with 47% of Moms watching with their preschooler. A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, the series introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney's classic "Peter Pan." Every episode features the animated Sharky and Bones characters as they pop up throughout to perform original pirate ditties, and each episode concludes with a live action music video featuring The Never Land Pirate Band. Retailing for the suggested price of $19.99 in the U.S. and $24.99 in Canada, the Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! DVD also comes packaged with a bonus 7-track CD sampler and a pirate eye patch.

About the Album:


The album is written and performed by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson, a.k.a. Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band, the album features 18 swashbuckling tracks sure to thrill any young pirate. Also included are downloadable activities and games to plan the perfect pirate party, a Sing-Along version of the show’s theme song and a bonus track from a future episode. The deluxe edition includes a pirate bandana. The album arrives at stores and online retailers September 20.

The album features a variety of songs that kids and parents can enjoy together. Songs include the kooky, comical "Hot Lava," “Aw Coconuts,” "Pirate Password,” and the arrrghhh-rated “Talk Like a Pirate.” Some songs refer to popular characters in the show, such as “What’s Cookin’ Smee,” "Captain Hook (Is A Cranky Crook)," “Tick Tock Croc” and “Bucky’s Shanty.” Others capture the island spirit of Never Land, such as “Castaway on Pirate Island," "Shipwreck Shuffle" and "Never Sky," as well as the "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" theme song. All songs can be heard in episodes of the show.

The Jake and the Never Land Pirates soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on September 20. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit www.Disney.com/music, become a fan at www.Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow them at www.Twitter.com/disneymusic  .


*Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of the DVD/CD to review. No other compensation was received. This is a review based on my opinion (and from watching my 3 yr old’s reaction) of the product.

Welcome home little one

There is nothing sweeter than tiny ears and a tiny nose, tiny fingers and tiny toes… Today our baby is 12 days old.  She has spent almost every moment since birth in my arms: feeding, sleeping… being.  

Her new baby smell and tiny features are achingly beautiful to me because I see not just her beauty but the moments I was too overwhelmed to absorb with our first.  Truth be told I’m just as tired & overwhelmed as before if not more (juggling two seems harder even with my husband’s help) but I now know just how quickly time passes and I’m determined to absorb, enjoy & etch it in my memory.  The sleepless nights will pass and before I know it we will be chasing a toddler and then a preschooler and then…  well I better enjoy this time along with all her tiny bits.

Welcome home little one.

Expecting & WBW

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I want to make you aware of two great resources. One is Shari Criso and the other is her www.mybabyexperts.com site and TV show. Shari Criso is a real mom, real expert with real advice. An award-winning author of the "Simply Breastfeeding: The Criso Method" DVD program who has had tremendous success helping other moms breastfeed. As many of you know I am expecting baby #2 any day now (will be induced on the 11^th if she doesn't come on her own) and in preparation for her arrival I found Shari.

I was fortunate enough to have found her just in time since I had MAJOR breastfeeding issues with my first daughter and was (am) trying to do all I can to be better prepared this time around. I watched her two hour My Baby Experts web TV special the other night (in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and her friends attending BlogHer11) and was among the 1st to find out about her really exciting & fun Fan contest for the month of August. Anyone who LIKES her page on Facebook can participate in their chance to win an iPad2 or $500 cash!!!

That's right, they are going to pick one lucky winner to receive a super cool, brand new iPad2 OR $500 in PayPal CASH. Now I don't know about you but I for one could use the $500 cash with another baby just arriving although the iPad is so cool I might just HAVE to opt for that if I win. 

Shari is launching this contest along with the support of her blogger friends Baby Dickey, MamaB, and Little BGCG) who represented her at BlogHer 2011.  To enter this giveaway, simply follow her on Facebook: Shari's Facebook Fan Page and add yourself to her weekly newsletter. There are plenty of ways to gain additional entries listed here, which are totally optional, but I'm sure you'll want to take advantage of them!

BTW… I bought her streaming DVD (before she put it on sale for half price this weekend) and LOVE the format and info. Even if you have already taken a class if you are serious about breastfeeding you NEED to watch her video. Best of luck!

Disney with a 2 yr old

Disney with a two year old?  Why?  That’s just too young.  She won’t remember anything so it’s a waste of money.  She’ll be overwhelmed and you’ll be miserable! These were the comments we heard from many people when we shared that we would be taking our two and a half year old to Magic Kingdom and then on a four night Disney Cruise.

Some of these comments held true but most were oh so false.  Our trip consisted of flying in on a Friday, spending the evening at Downtown Disney, going to Magic Kingdom on Saturday and then boarding the cruise ship on Sunday.  Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Thankfully our daughter is a great traveler.  She has her share of frequent flier miles and is the kiddo telling other kids not to cry and not to be scared because the plane, train, boat, etc. are fun.  Mom and dad are frequent travelers but I think her great attitude has a lot to do with her personality more than anything. We booked direct flights and brought snacks.  We stocked up on all sorts of things to keep her busy and prepared for the worst but on the way over she played with mom’s iPhone almost the whole time.  She sat in her own seat with her CARES on.  (Keep reading for more info on CARES and other travel tips below.)  On the way back she slept for two hours in her own seat.  No crying, no freaking out, no kicking someone’s seat or trying to run up and down the aisle.  Just a little conversation with us about the trip and a lot of resting… it had been a very busy week and she was exhausted.

So here is the quick recap of the true vs. false part of the comments we heard before our trip.

1.)  Magic Kingdom can be overwhelming for a little one.  TRUE.

Gaby is very tall (38 ½ ) so she could actually get on all of the kid rides however she had no patience for the long waits (best was 30 minutes and some had a wait over an hour long).  She liked a few things so much she didn’t want to get off so that was a struggle because she cried and got mad at us for making her get off the ride and BACK in line. Also, at the park the characters are around so you can meet them BUT there is usually a long line and they only stay about half an hour so if you’re in line but it’s time for them to go they leave and your kid wants to know why there was no payoff for the waiting and why Pinocchio or Snow White or whoever left without greeting them.

2.)  Too young, not worth it. FALSE.

We ran this by our pediatrician.  We told her our plan and asked if she agreed and she surprised us by reminding us that we don’t WAIT to take them to the park until they are older because they can’t play on everything or won’t remember.  She told us that experiences like these are just part of a child’s development so travel, parks, adventures; any new experience is just part of how they learn. Why would we delay or wait on that.  The reality was just that.  She loved so many things about the day at Magic Kingdom that she is still talking about it with us almost nine months later.  Every time she sees the Disney Castle she says, “I went there.  That was fun.  Can we go again?”  She remembers the rides, the parades, and mostly the time spent with us and her grandparents who came with us on the trip.  Seeing her smile and hearing her ask to go back makes it that much more worth it for us.  We may have only been on 4 rides (I don’t know how many times) and watched the two parades but that in itself was worth it.

On another note, I want to explain that she also loved downtown Disney but that her favorite and our most enjoyable part of the trip was the cruise.  She was too young for the kid activities (3 and up) so there was little time for JUST adult fun but we had a blast regardless.  She loved the schedule.  She would ask to go back to the room for a nap.  She looked forward to the shows and the diners and the movies and all the non-stop fun.  She ate great and tried all sorts of foods. 

Another great feature of the cruise was that ALL the characters were on board and you knew exactly when and where you could greet them.  If you got in line you got to greet them no matter how long it would take.  They would cut off the line so as long as you got there before they closed the line you would be able to have your picture taken with the characters including all the princesses, etc.  Great payoff for our little one!  She loved swimming and making sand castles with grandpa and again is still talking about it and asking to go back. 

So in a nutshell… I would highly recommend this trip schedule to anyone.  The cruise was especially nice and we think that the 3 or 4 night one is perfect for the little ones.  Of course if your kids are a little older there are even more reasons to love it since they get to do kid activities and you get to enjoy adult time and this cruise is top notch in every aspect from great beds to excellent food.  It was worth every penny.  We hope to go again when she is a little older but we loved this trip and will forever remember her first time at Disney.

Quick tips for traveling with a toddler

Aside from all the usual prep with food, medicine, carry on clothes, games, and activities for travel here are a few other tips that work wonders for us.  If you need a list of the other items you can review them here.

• Use a CARES air travel harness for kids between 1-4 yrs old and check or rent a car seat for when you arrive.
• Gate check an umbrella or other favorite travel stroller
• With any child older than one, discuss your upcoming trip with your children.  Tell them about the modes of transportation, what order things will happen in, and what you will be doing when you get there. Start this discussion as soon as you can so you might spend a month talking about the trip before you go.
• Show them videos, read books, or review pictures of the places you will go and the forms of transportation you will use. 
• Get them involved.  Ask what they’d like to see or do when you get there.  If they are very young give them two or three choices and let them pick then encourage them to share their “plans” with other family and friends.
• Let them pick items that are to be used specifically for the trip… whether it is a new jacket, a new book, or a new friend give them lots to look forward to.

Globetrotting with a child

Welcome back to our expert series. This week were talking to a mom who has been "in the trenches" so to speak when it comes to traveling with a child. A single mother who has been on planes, trains, boats, and automobiles with her son since he was an infant, Gabriela Rives shares her thoughts on traveling with a child even if you're doing it solo. And every week we'll cover topics that will enrich and enhance your travel experience. I'll be featuring experts and parents sharing their best tips and advice with you.  Please come back every week and share these posts through your Facebook, Twitter and other social media and with friends. If you've missed any so far here are the links: Picture tips, Travel with Cloth, Music as travel prep, and Prepping for illness while traveling with kids. Happy Travels!

Personally my husband is the super organized one and the mere thought of taking a longer trip with my toddler without his preparation and help sends chills down my spine but as Gabby explains, "Sometimes, necessity makes you do things that you never thought you would be able to do".

Q: Gabriela, I know you and your son are quite the globetrotters what are some of the locations you've been to?
 A: All over the United States, Mexico and France.

  

Q: Traveling with a child (especially a young child) can be daunting and frustrating for parents.  How have you managed travel with your son?

A: Every trip teaches me something new. I try to organize myself in advance taking into consideration my child's needs. I prepare a checklist with those things that are absolutely necessary for both of us, for him and for me. I also calculate the time we will spend to reach our destiny and how my child will be entertained during that time; if there will be meals and drinks available and how the weather there has been. I make it a point to check in advance as to what kind of traveling documents will be required for that given trip.  

 
Usually, I carry two to three pieces of luggage. One has both of our general stuff. The second piece is a carry-on with our essentials, in case something happens (you never know). And of course, I am the one in charge of our traveling documents. I added a third piece later when my son was old enough to carry his own things in a carry-on appropriate for his age and height.
 
Q: Have you ever traveled solo with him?  If so how was that different (better or worse) than when traveling with a partner or other adult?
 A: As a single mom, I have traveled alone with my son many times. I think that the main difference is that you, as the adult, are responsible for the child. And it is important that you keep their interests and needs in mind too. You have to look for things that will make the trip memorable for both of you. For example, when we went to France, we visited the Louvre but we also went to Euro-Disney.
 

Q: What has been one of the most challenging situations you found yourself in while traveling related to him?
A: These days, it's very easy to travel with an infant or a child. Most airlines, for instance, show you some considerations. You can pre-board and have some extra time to accommodate everything. Sometimes our children are in a non-traveling mood, however. That's when the real challenge starts. Everybody expects you to keep them quiet and busy, but there are times when that is extremely difficult, if not impossible. And yes, you will get that "disapproving look" and you will have to live with it.
 
Also, knowing what you need to pack is not easy. Everybody will tell you what they believe is a must but, if you follow everybody's advice, you will travel with the whole house!! In the end, you have to decide what is a "must" for you. For instance, I never travel without my son's favorite toy or his favorite book.
 
Q: Sometimes people travel out of need and other times for learning or pleasure.  In my opinion all travel can be for pleasure even with kids.  What are your thoughts on this and why?
 A: I think, regardless of the reason for your trips, they are always a great experience. Children have a different view than an adult and it is amazing how much you can enjoy a trip by just trying to see it through your child's eyes. Every single trip will teach you different things and will broaden your child's horizons.
 

Q: Can you share a bit about some or one of your most memorable trips with him?
 A: All my trips with my son have engraved different memories in me that I enjoy 'till today. Maybe one of the best memories was the day we visited the Eiffel Tower. I was amazed by the beauty of it while my son was fascinated by the hundreds of pigeons underneath the Tower; it was great to see the joy in his face!
 
Q: What kinds of things would you recommend a traveling parent do to prepare for a trip?
 A:

1. Every time we are going on a trip, I always ask myself and anybody in my party: "What is that one thing you have to do or see on this trip that will make it all worthwhile?"

   

2. Never forget to check for things that are child-friendly at your destination. This includes hotels, tours, restaurants, parks, etc.

   

3. Make sure you have the needed traveling documents and that you have followed the security screening regulations; i.e. amount of milk/milk powder allowed, types of toys, etc.

   

4. Confirm if and how your health insurance covers any emergency care at the place you're visiting.

   

5. Make a list of the things you need to pack. These days it's easy to get many of the things you need after you've arrived.

 

Q: When you traveled internationally did you have to worry about special permits, visas, etc. for you and him?  Did you ever travel internationally solo and if so, did you have to bring proof that you could take him with you (like a letter from his father)
 
A: Yes. Every country has its own rules and you must follow them. For instance, before my child had a passport, I needed a notarized authorization from my son's dad to be able to take him out of the country, and my ex lived in a different city so we needed to make pre-arrangements to comply with this requirement. And yet today, even when my son and I have passports, I still travel with the authorization and my child's birth certificate, just in case.
 
Also, due to my line of work, I know that if you have an adopted child and you haven't finalized your adoption or you haven't gotten your baby's birth certificate or social security number, you must ask your adoption agency what are the steps and requirements to travel abroad.
 

Q: Did either one of you ever get sick or hurt while traveling?  If so where and how did you make it through the ordeal?
 A: A sick child is always a struggle so imagine if you are traveling! I have been lucky because my son has gotten sick just on one of our trips, and once I gave him the medicine I had brought with us, he was perfectly fine and we could enjoy the trip. I always double-check our insurance coverage and that I have the contact information for a doctor or a hospital.
 

Q: Do you have any favorite gear when traveling?  When he was younger how did you mange the car seat, stroller, luggage, etc.?  
A: During the first trips, I used to take everything and I felt like such a hog!! After the third trip, I realized that I could make it just with a stroller, and that the rest I could rent or borrow or buy wherever I was going.
 

Q: What do you miss about traveling with him as a baby/toddler and what do you most enjoy now that he is older?
 A: There are so many perks when traveling with your infant/toddler child! It's cheaper, you can pre-board, everybody treats you nicely. As your child gets older, obviously those things will change but the experience of traveling together will get better in other ways. For starters, now your child can get more involved in the trip and the place where you are going. You can start planning together! I love to hear my son talking about when we went here or there...!
 

Q: What advice would you give to parents who are leery of travel with kids?
 A: Don't be! Just go for it! Traveling opens your child's mind and gives you the opportunity to bond with your child in ways that you can never imagine. It is an adventure that you both live together, and you will share always. 
 
 

Gabriela Rives is a jack-of-many-trades. Born in Mexico City she has more than 15 years of experience working in various roles as an editor, translator, creative writer, art director and creative director. Gabriela served as the creative director for The Cartel Group where she created and directed English and Spanish strategic creative campaigns for clients such as the U.S. Army, Dickies, JCPenney, Nextel-Sprint and Capital One to name a few and won numerous industry awards. She has also served as the CEO of an Adoption Agency for several years and currently is the Director of a Translations and Marketing agency in San Antonio, TX. She is a divorced-single mom to Gabriel, 9 years old, and also owns an online gift basket store La Bella Baskets that helps single moms.