Happy Girl, Happy Mom!

Happy Girl: Jillian is such a happy girl.  She loves helping her Mommy and Daddy, loves being a big sister, and is learning/doing/experiencing new things all the time.  I love how well she is able to communicate, and what an insight this gives us into her little world.  She's just so darn cute.

Happy Mom:  My friend Kelly suggested these cups (pictured below), and despite a tumultuous beginning with them, we really like them.  I just wanted to share my review with you other Moms out there, in case you're in the market for such a thing...  They are made by Contigo (LINK) and they are a no spill option for when your kids are done with sippy cups.  There's a button on one side that your child pushes (this requires a little bit of strength/dexterity so I'd say these are good for kids near 2.5 years and up) which opens a valve to release the liquid.  They really are no spill, easy to wash, dishwasher safe, and cute too!  ;)

Here's what made our experience with them less than perfect though...  There's a little tab on the rim of each cup that keeps the lid from tightening too much and being difficult to take off.  The problem is when the cup fell onto the ground (twice in one day!) the lid popped right off, and the drink went everywhere.  During one of the spills, the little tab I described above broke off.  I was thinking I would not really be able to use these cups anyway since they were unable to take a tumble, but ended up checking to see if the broken cup was still leak proof.  Turns out, without the tab, the lid was able to tighten more and now it works better!!!  So, Ryan broke off the rest of the tabs, and we have not had a problem since.  So, if you get the cups, and find (like we did) that the top can come off if dropped, cut off those little tabs and you'll be thrilled with the product!

Happy spill proof traveling!