Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Groupon Coupons. Although I received some form of compensation, all opinions remain my own.

Dear Diary,

My baby is a big girl. My baby is a big girl. My baby is a big girl. I have to repeat those words regularly, because I’m having a tough time accepting the fact that Caitlynn’s growing up. At first, I must admit, her starting preschool saddened me. Then, I realized that we really should celebrate this new stage in her life. It’s stage filled with exploration and imaginative play. She’s now at an age where she not only sleeps with a stuffed animal but also plays with the teddy bears in her room. So, I decided to take her to Build-a-Bear Workshop to make a special stuffed animal and mark the special occasion. Her friend, and now classmate, gave her a gift card for her birthday, so it was perfect timing. After our outing, I learned that we could save even more money by using Groupon Coupons.

I’m not a coupon cutting type of mom. However, that’s changing. This site is not your typical 50-cent off deal distributor—I really should use those as well! Groupon Coupons saves you big bucks. We spent a little over $40 on a Hello Kitty doll—Hello! I know we went overboard and bought a couple wardrobe changes. With the coupon code, we would have saved $10!  That adds up. Mommy could buy a cappuccino, get my nails polished or pick up a pair of tights with fall looming around the corner and not break the bank.

Promo

Build-A-Bear coupons help you create a custom stuffed animal by assembling it piece-by-piece at a workshop, or by ordering it online.  In addition to coupon codes, you can also activate sales.

Coupon

I wasn’t planning to return to the store anytime soon, but Caitlynn constantly asks to go back and get another toy –this time for mastering potty training. Yep!  She’s staying dry and flashing a smile. I’ll soon flash my credit card! But it’s not just about money. It’s about the memories we made, which are priceless.  That sounds corny, but as you see, Caitlynn’s excited was worth every penny. And the outing also taught her a few lessons.

Decision-making

It took some time to come to a final decision, but Caitlynn selected the rainbow colored Hello Kitty doll from the bins.

Teamwork

Caitlynn worked with the sales associate to stuff her doll. She pumped the lever and put the heart inside before it was stitched up.

Care

She took care of her doll by giving her an air bath. She meticulously brushed her fur and made she was nice and clean.

Independence

Caitlynn picked an outfit on her own and refused to go with the sequin’s Hello Kitty outfit that I thought was the best one on the wall. She also ignored my suggestions when she created a birth certificate and named the doll Terry.

Build-a-Bear1

Build-a-Bear2 Build-a-Bear3

Hey DFTM Fam—How are you adjusting to your baby turning into a big kid? What mother-child bonding activities are you taking part in?

 

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

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