A Lot Can Happen in a Week + Giveaway!

Silence. It's the first time I hear it in my house in over 10 days.

Hannah was off for Passover and her daddy so graciously took a stay-cation to help out with the kids and get some projects completed in the house.

While I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of it all I must say that this first 10 minutes of peace and quiet is quite nice!

So while it was a week jam packed with activities, visits with friends and family, a new toilet being installed in the powder room (such a handy husband)...I think the biggest accomplishment of the week came with Alex.

After a visit with his pediatrician, we decided to crack down on the sleeping. Formula is no longer in the equation as breast milk seems to be satiating enough for him. We've taken a modified Ferber approach. Basically, let him cry for a few minutes and then go in to pat him, hold him or put on music. Whatever works best to soothe him. The first few nights were rough (in terms of sleeplessness) but I think we've figured out the magic formula - placing my head next to his for a few seconds until he gets sleepy. Funnily enough, this is the same technique we used with Hannah. The real problem (or should I say backache) might occur when we have to drop his crib, but for now we are enjoying 5-6 hours of sleep.

At the same time, I was getting a bit worried about his eating. Lips clamped shut, he just wasn't interested. I tried feeding sacks and then headed to Plattsburgh to stock up on Plum Organicspouches that he can suck on himself. And then all of a sudden something clicked two days ago and I couldn't get the butternut squash in his mouth fast enough.

So now we have a little boy who is sleeping and eating...and everyone is happy!

In celebration I'm pleased to announce a giveaway thanks to the kind folks at Skip Hop. Up for grabs is their new Alphabet Zoo Unfolding Activity Book . It could be yours by becoming a follower of Midnight Mom and leaving a comment with your best piece of sleep advice for other moms to enjoy.

Contest ends Monday April 23rd.

Good luck!

Little Mavens

Hope you all had a great long weekend with lots of family and food!

Two more things that came across my inbox that I'd love to share.

Fashion District is holding its semi-annual warehouse sale on kids' clothing including brands like Tumble Dry, Imps & Elfs, Lee Cooper and more.

Ralph Lauren has just launched their latest kid' collection using their whimsical RL Gang videos. This time featuring the class of 2012, and tons of preppy fashions, this is one of the best marketing campaigns for kids I've seen in a long time.

Summer Travels

Even though it is only April, we've been thinking about our summer vacation for quite some time now. Sesame Place and the beach are likely on the agenda, with plenty of weekends spent in Vermont.

I always say that a vacation with kids is a trip, not a vacation. So when I heard about a new contest for a real adults-only vacation I thought I'd share it with you all.

Vermont's North East Kingdom is currently running a Facebook contest until April 30. Here's what you could win:

• A two night, midweek stay for two at Couture's B & B in Westfield (valid June - September 2012). Stay at a real working dairy farm, meet some cows & calves, and, of course, enjoy a hearty country breakfast featuring maple syrup made on site! Learn more about Couture's Bed & Breakfast at www.MapleSyrupVermont.com.

• A 3-course dinner for two at Tastings Food & Spirits, located in nearby Troy. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Tastings features farm-to-table cuisine and a full bar. Learn more at www.TastingsinVT.com

• Two passes to the Pump House Indoor Water Park at Jay Peak, home of the only indoor aqualoop in the U.S. or Canada! Learn more at www.JayPeakResort.com

• Two 18-hole greens fees for Orleans Country Club, featuring beautiful fairways, amazing views, and a welcoming atmosphere. Learn more at www.OrleansCC.com.

Good luck! If you win, maybe you'll take me along :)